What the research stressed she will argue is a need for high-quality developmental care for nought to three-year-olds

What the research stressed, she will argue, is a need for high-quality developmental care for nought to three-year-olds.For instance, a ratio of one adult to three children in a nursery could often mean that one adult was taking a break while a second was preparing lunch - leaving one to cope with nine toddlers on their own. Children of mothers suffering depression did better with childminders or nurseries. They were first studied when they were three months old and then at regular periods until they reached the age of 51 months.It was due to be presented to a conference in London today by one of its co-authors, Penelope Leach, president of the National Childminders' Association.The report will reignite the debate over the best way to bring up young children, but Ms Leach is at pains to point out that it does not mean that "every child in a large nursery becomes a monster" - or that all those looked after by mothers were better off. They exhibited higher levels of aggression and were inclined to become more compliant, withdrawn or sad. Those looked after by grandparents and other relatives fared a little better.Youngsters looked after by childminders and nannies came second in terms of their development to those who stayed at home with mother.The research, involving 1,200 children and their families in north London and Oxfordshire, is based on a study of the development of children over a four-year period. The findings will show that those given nursery care fared worst. Toddlers who are looked after by their mothers do significantly better in developmental tests than those cared for by nurseries, childminders or relatives, according to a study to be published today.

Richard Gasquet is another, and Gael Monfils, who was a junior Slam winner, like Murray.British tennis should be proud that it can boast one of the circuit's most promising players Now capitalise, and find some more.. In other words, he has all the ingredients now, but give him and his team the time and space - and lay off the pressure - while they're being combined.The men's circuit has some very special teenage players now, led by Rafael Nadal, already a Slam winner. As I wrote recently, in more than 50 years as a coach and observer, I have seen nothing to compare that has come out of British tennis.Of course, all the toughest tests are ahead. In this, Murray's breakthrough season, opponents have not really known what to expect, and that hands Murray the advantage. Next season, we'll see how he copes when people are gunning for him, not vice versa.It also needs stressing that while Murray's been impressive in storming into the world's top 100, everyone should remind themselves that what he is doing at 21 - in three years' time - is what we should be looking for. Not just a kid who caused a stir at Wimbledon and caught New York's attention for a couple of matches after laying his guts on the court in more senses than one Not your ordinary British player Not a gentleman stroller, but a street fighter. Andy Murray looks the real deal.

That is my first conclusion from his wonderful run in the Thailand Open Murray's approach to the final alone told us plenty. A lot of professionals with much more experience would not have been so cool in facing a multiple Slam winner, let alone the planet's best player, on such a big occasion Murray was loose as a goose He played his own game. He was not overawed, or overpowered, or comprehensively outplayed. He gave it his best shot - and there were a few of those, including some brave drop shots and nice slices.