The politicians′ view

Complements the other perspectives that have been put forward about the development of services to under fives. The two councillors interviewed are in many ways typical - they have come into politics as a result of their own interest and expertise in the field and see local politics as a way of advancing the causes with which they have also been professionally concerned. They wish to further the interests of young children but are unsure how to resolve the many contradictions involved, and to recognize diversity of services while achieving a coherent approach. They consider that they can exert influence among their fellow councillors and on the professionals employed by the council to improve the situation in early years services. They recognize that in the last resort their actions are limited, and that the financial constraints and the lack of a national policy limits what they can do, but find it hard to think or act beyond immediate local priorities.