Well heeled people like Cameron consider the concept of a 'Big Society possible as they have no conception of what its like to have no choice whatsoever to have to work. People like him are surrounded by people with independent wealth and income who don't really need to take a job, and dare I say it, but it probably has a lot of truth in it, with wives/partners who have little to do but find good charitable works to do. The rest of us have so little time and energy left after putting it all into our jobs and families that its impossible to be able to do voluntary work as well and certainly not to the extent of running essential services.

Unfortunately I do agree that over regulation in the childcare sector has been an issue in recent years and continues to be so. I do think its of questionable value whether childminders follow an early years curriculum for under threes. However childminders must train to meet a certain standard and also be prepared for constant monitoring and assessment and all of these things puts pressure on them and makes their services more expensive. The average annual cost of a fulltime childminder or nursery is on the par with private school fees like Dulwich College. How many parents are on a salary that can support that yet they are expected to find this money in the early years of their childs life.

I would love to find a neighbour to take in my children however they are also out at work 24/7 trying to make ends meet and to pay their mortgages. It simply is not possible that people do this sort of thing any more least of all for not much money. I also work for a local authority where there are signs and posters up raising the issue of unofficial childminding.

Personally I'd have been happy with someone who could offer my children a loving, fun and safe environment ie a home from home,but that is not possible any more.