Childcare Bill

That could take us down another route. The task in hand is to remove the word ““taught””, so if the hon. Gentleman will forgive me, I will concentrate on that. I cannot stress enough the importance of changing that word. I am happy to accept that the drafting of the amendment is not perfect, but, having served on many Committees, I know that when one wants to say something, it is worth trying to write the amendment oneself, because if it makes a good point, professionals will rewrite it. I am concerned about the impact of the provision on professionals in the field. A great deal of consultation is under way to establish exactly what the early years foundation stage will include. There is a great deal of confidence about those discussions, but there is not confidence among professionals while the word ““taught”” remains in the Bill. Their anxiety is much greater than the Government have conceded. Given the lateness of this debate I am not going to press the amendment to a Division, but I very much hope that Ministers will give a great deal of thought to the matter as the Bill proceeds to the other place. The amendments are certain to discussed further, and I expect that there will be professional input in the other place. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.