The Early Years and Sure Start Service
The Early Years and Sure Start Service, which has joined together with Play and Sports to form the Community Children’s Service, works in partnership with parents, children, childcare providers and government agencies in order to meet the challenge set by the Governments agenda for Children and Young People.
Every Child Matters and the Children Act 2004, set out the Government’s agenda for delivering services for children and young people in a new way. Integrating services delivered by different agencies such as the local authority, health service and voluntary and community sector in a way that makes sense for children, young people and their families is at the heart of Every Child Matters.
The Government's ten year strategy for childcare 'Choice for Parents', the best start for children' focuses on the agenda for integrated services for under 5s and their families. The strategy sets out how agencies will work in partnership to improve the quality, affordability and flexibility of childcare and family support services.
The Childcare Strategy is now enshrined in law with the passing of the Childcare Act 2006. This sets out the new strategic role for local authorities in securing better outcomes for children, providing information to parents and ensuring there is sufficient childcare in an area to meet demand.
The vision is for early years practice to be recognised as a profession in its own right, along side teaching, social work and other professions that make up the wider children’s workforce.
This will enable employers in the early years sector to recruit and retain experienced practitioners and create an attractive career for new recruits.