Government support for childcare under the Labour Government 1997-2010

This note gives an overview of the childcare policies of the Labour Government 1997-2010. It is one of two notes that replace a previously existing note on support for childcare since 1997. The other, SN06807, provides information on support for childcare under the current Government.

This note covers policy developments from 1997-2010 relating to:

• Early years provision

• Local authority duties in relation to childcare provision

• Extended schools

• Tax relief for childcare

• Help with childcare costs through tax credits and predecessor programmes

The sections on early years provision, local authority duties and extended schools cover England only. The sections on tax relief and tax credits apply to the United Kingdom as a whole.