With a general election imminent, Start Strong's priority is to ensure that the care and education of young children is high on the policy agenda. Of course the economic crisis will dominate political debate. But both before the election and afterwards - when a new Government is preparing its Programme for Government - we will be telling politicians that early care and education must be part of the solution to our economic crisis. Where early care and education is of high quality and available to all young children, it brings huge benefits not just to children but to the economy. Investing in young children makes sound economic sense.

As part of the election campaign, Start Strong will shortly be launching our Manifesto for Growth, which we will be giving to all political parties, urging them to show commitment to young children.