PRIME Minister Tony Blair has pledged to review childminding regulations in the wake of the death of a Clitheroe toddler.

He made the pledge amid demands that more information be given to parents to prevent children dying while being cared for by childminders.

Joshua Massey-Hodgkinson died at the home of Wendy Barlow, in Eightacre Avenue, Sabden, in April, 2004, after being left overnight by his mother Emma Massey.

Barlow pleaded guilty to manslaughter last month and is due to be sentenced next week.

It has since emerged that although Barlow was registered by Ofsted to childmind, she did not have permission to look after youngsters overnight.

Miss Massey, of St Paul's Terrace, Clitheroe, said she was never told this by either Barlow or Ofsted - the regulatory body for childminders - and was unaware there were different levels of registration.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans called for action from Mr Blair during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons yesterday.

Mr Blair said: "There are new regulations that came into force last December and that clarified the circumstances in which Ofsted is able to share information with parents.

"I would like to look at that before seeing whether there is something more that needs to be done.

"You are right in saying there is already an internal inquiry by Ofsted. But I would like to know whether these new regulations, had they been in force at the time, would have made a difference.

"Obviously there is a balance all the time between trying to make sure the system is not overly bureaucratic but making sure also that the proper checks are in place.

"I'm only very sorry that in this particular case those checks were not sufficiently adequate to prevent the tragedy that followed."

Mr Evans said: "I am delighted that the Prime Minister is taking such a personal interest. I hope that he is able to get to the bottom of this case and swiftly correct the procedural gaps."

Miss Massey declined to comment until after sentencing, due to take place at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday.

But after Barlow pleaded guilty to manslaughter she said: "I would not have taken Josh there at night if I had known she wasn't registered to look after him overnight."

To gain registration, childminders need to meet 14 standards. Those who wish to look after children at night must meet further standards, including ensuring they have a working listening device or can hear the child without one, being able to respond to an emergency at night and making themselves aware of bath time arrangements.