IT seems that T Scaife wants to go back to the old days: women tied to the kitchen sink, wasting their educated minds and skills and relying financially on men (Letters, June 18).

I would ask that he understands the policies that Ruth Kelly is putting forward and what it will give to children and the benefits for women.

My daughter is lucky as her school has an Out Of School Club, open five days per week, before and after school and during the school holidays.

This club, like others, provides children with the opportunity to play with friends, play sports and undertake activities which she would not be able to do at home due to space.

Prior to this my daughter attended a nursery with the help of Government child care vouchers available to all three year olds.

Here again, she formed friendships and was involved in quality play and learning.

Personally, Government support of childcare has led to me being able to work part-time, be a councillor, study with the Open University and be independent - but more importantly have the money to take my daughter to places around the country and abroad.

I love my daughter and do not feel that I am juggling my mothering responsibilities around my work (would the same be said about a man?).

Working means I am not wasting my education and that I am setting a good example for my daughter of personal financial independence.

This is the 21st century. If women did not work there would be a massive shortage of workers in the labour market which would affect the situation of stable economics that the country is experiencing.

Tracey Simpson-Laing,

Salisbury Road,

Leeman Road,

York.

Updated: 11:16 Wednesday, June 22, 2005