CYPS - Early Years
Extended Services are made up of Early Years, Childcare and Extended Schools, which are a key element of Integrated Service provision. 'Choice for parents, the best start for children: making it happen', provides an action plan for the ten year strategy: Sure Start Children's Centres, extended schools and childcare are in the agenda for Extended Services. The Childcare Act 2006 ensures this legislation:
- To ensure sufficient childcare for local communities to enable parents to access employment or training.
- To extend the free entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds to early learning and care and make it more flexible.
- To provide free impartial up to date information and advice on childcare and related issues for parents and carers.
- To establish 40 children's centres by 2010 and ensure access to Children's centre services for all families with a child under 5.
- To improve the outcomes for children under 5 and narrow the gap between the most disadvantaged children and young people and those that are given more opportunities.
- To support the integration of early development and learning through the Early Years Foundation Stage and raise the quality of provision.
- To provide support for children with special needs.
- To support the roll out of Extended Schools to provide childcare based around schools from 8am- 6pm all year round and to mirror other services that are provided in children's centres.
- To provide support, information and guidance to childcare providers in preparing for Ofsted registration and inspection.
- To provide business support to childcare providers through training, advice and identifying funding sources and supporting sustainability.
- To provide workforce development for staff working in early years and childcare.
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