enemies?

Richard Reeb taught political science, philosophy and journalism at Barstow Community College from 1970 to 2003. He is the author of "Taking Journalism Seriously: 'Objectivity' as a Partisan Cause" (University Press of America, 1999). He can be contacted at rhreeb@verizon.netby others at the nursery or suffering food poisoning as a result of being fed while in childcare.

The survey also asked parents how stressful taking their child to nursery for the first time was. It revealed that 12% of parents said it was one of the most stressful things they have undertaken, more so than starting a new job or planning their wedding.

It found that parents choosing a nursery are most concerned about quality care (67%). Fourteen percent said cost was the priority, followed by location and the staff's qualifications and experience.

Andy Major, the director of GoodCareGuide.co.uk – an independent TripAdvisor-style website for the care industry – said: "These statistics show what a large percentage of the parents' paycheques in the UK are spent on childcare.

"While the government