Media Hype

  Nurseries and other childcare providers say plans to allow more children for each member of staff in England will not cut costs for parents. Most nurseries and pre-schools were opposed and would not increase numbers, the Early Years Alliance charity said. One mother, whose two-year-old has severe allergies, told BBC News she did not want staff stretched further. The government said it would consult on whether to allow each member of staff in England to look after more children. Currently, in a nursery in England, one adult can look after four two-year-olds. In Scotland, five are allowed. The government is to ask parents and childcare providers' views on whether to do the same in England. Why free nursery childcare can come with costly extras Nursery fees: 'It shouldn't be a choice between baby and career' But a snapshot of views gathered by the Early Years Alliance, seen exclusively by BBC News, suggests strong opposition. Of the more than 5,800 nurseries and pre-scho...

  IMAGE SO Image caption, The Queen Elizabeth visited the Coast Guard station headquarters in Bangor, Northern Ireland, back in May 2009 Eight new cities are being created for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, with at least one in every UK nation - and on the Falkland Islands and Isle of Man. Milton Keynes in England, Dunfermline in Scotland, Bangor in Northern Ireland and Wrexham in Wales all get the title. It is a first for places in an Overseas Territory - Stanley, in the Falklands - and a crown dependency - Douglas, in the Isle of Man - to win city status. Colchester and Doncaster complete the list getting the royal honour. Applicants had to show their cultural heritage and royal links. The Platinum Jubilee civic honours competition also required places to show how their local identity and communities meant they deserved to be granted city status. The new cities can expect a boost to local communities and open up new opportunities for people who live there, the Cabinet Office said....