Labour in a bind over much-needed childcare reform

Party is awaiting steer on what would be an expensive overhaul and is also keen to show commitment to fiscal restraint

• Childcare in England failing and falling behind much of world, charity says

In a report, the Fawcett Society has drawn a conclusion that young parents are already familiar with: childcare in England is not working.

Compared with systems in Ireland, Estonia, France, Canada and Australia – all countries that have recently carried out or initiated major reforms – the English system is expensive, underfunded and unambitious.