Early Years Play & Childcare

Reducing child poverty and social exclusion;
Setting a firm foundation for future learning and raising educational standards;
Helping to widen the supply of labour; raising productivity and tackling skill shortages;
Providing a modern service that meets the changing needs of families.

Strategic Targets set by Government

Aiming at a place for every lone parent entering jobs in the most disadvantaged areas;
Closing the ‘childcare gap’ between disadvantaged areas and others;
Access to 15 hours of free early education for all 3 year olds by September 2009;
Development of 41 Children Centres by March 2010 to meet national targets;
Development of extended schools programs to include access to wrap around childcare from 8am-6pm up to 48 weeks per year;
Sufficiency of childcare places for children and young people aged 0 - 19 years;
Development of Family Information Services in every Local Authority;