National Children's Nurseries Association

The NCNA was formed 10 years ago in the absence of regulations for nurseries or childminding, and now has about 350 members. "At least 60 per cent of turnover would go out again on wages," says Ms Martina Murphy, public relations officer for the group. Other costs include insurance, equipment, food, and possibly rent or a mortgage for a good quality premises. "Unfortunately it is an area of low pay where people could be starting off with as little as £100 for a 40-hour week. The hours are long," she says. For parents, costs vary between £55 and £100 per child but, under NCNA guidelines, the ratio of children aged under one is three to one adult, rising to eight to one for children aged between three and six. "There is no doubt in my mind that it is a necessary infrastructural service and yet there is no government commitment," Ms Murphy says.