The UK government's Early Years childcare policy — aimed at providing 30 hours of formal childcare per week from nine months old — is being promoted as beneficial for the economy and working mothers, but lacks clear evidence that it is in the best interest of children.

Two recent research studies asked women for their views on caregiving responsibilities and work. Do the reports tell the same story? Only up to a point.

Maria Lyons reviews Erica Komisar’s new book, Chicken Little, The Sky isn’t Falling.

We were invited to submit our research evidence to the independent, cross-party Early Years Commission to build a consensus on the future of early years policy.

They stated that they would ‘draw on evidence’ but their focus was ‘on establishing consensus’ on existing proposed solutions. Our submission challenged current orthodoxy by stating that the optimum carer for a young child is its mother.

Maria Lyons reviews the newly updated edition of Kim John Payne’s groundbreaking book, Simplicity Parenting.