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19 Jan 99

Early Years Development & Childcare Plan 1999-2000

Poole's Early Years Development & Childcare Plan 1999-2000 will be presented to the Social Services Committee on 21 January 1999.

The plan sets out how all partners working within early education and childcare in Poole seek to promote high quality provision and services for children (0-14) and their parents. It promotes the ideals of quality, accessibility and affordability and also addresses issues related to equal opportunities and provision for children with additional needs.

In line with government policies, the plan sets out how early education and child care will be made for all 4 year olds by April 1999, and places will be secured to make provision for an agreed percentage of 3 year olds by 2001-2.

Highlights within the Plan include;

· A new Early Years team will be established, bringing together professionals from Education & Social Services at the Council to provide a more co-ordinated and accessible service which can provide information and advice.

· In Summer 1999. a new Children's Information Service will be launched. This will provide a wide range of information regarding early education and childcare, for parents, employers, providers and people working in this area.

· An Early Years Development & Childcare Partnership and other forums have been established in order to bring together statutory and voluntary agencies, providers and parents to contribute ideas and views to develop and implement the plan.

Extensive consultation with a variety of interest groups including schools, employers, Health Clinics and pre-school providers has taken place and the plan will be submitted to the Department for Education & Employment after it has been approved by Councillors.

Jan Thurgood, Head of Children & Families Services 01202 261516