THE first National Childcare Month is underway and Swindon will be holding its fair share of events throughout this month to celebrate childcare.

The event will try to highlight the importance of childcare for children, parents and the whole community and why investing in childcare is investing in all our futures.

National Childcare Month has been organised by several national childcare organisations including the Daycare Trust, the National Childminding Association and the Department for Education and Skills.

The Government is spending large sums to make childcare more available, raise quality and help parents pay.

By expanding the range of childcare available it is hoped that not only, parents and children that benefit, but also employers and schools shall benefit.

Sue Pearson of Swindon Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, explained: "Childcare benefits everyone. Childcare gives children a good start in life, supporting them to learn and develop. It helps parents to work or study and it contributes to a prosperous society by supporting employers and regenerating local communities."

The launch of National Childcare month comes after the success of previous childcare weeks, which raised awareness of childcare matters.