Celebrating childcare, supporting families June 2008 will showcase the benefits of childcare for children and families and to celebrate the invaluable work carried out by childcare workers in looking after the UK’s children and young people.

The month is organised by the five national childcare charities – 4Children, Daycare Trust, NCMA, National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), Pre-school Learning Alliance, and supported by the Department for Children, Schools and Families

Together, we represent over 100,000 childcare providers caring for over two million children 0 – 16 in nurseries, pre-schools, out of school schemes and by childminders and see every day the benefits of good quality and affordable childcare for children, families and communities.

Early years education benefits children’s learning and development and can improve their confidence and peer relationships. Childcare can also help to break cycles of poverty by enabling parents to work or train, support employers to find and keep talented staff and regenerate communities by unlocking potential.

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What’s on in June!
Celebrating childcare, supporting families will see a variety of activities and events take place in childcare settings around the country throughout June 2008. Find out more below...

2 – 9 June: National Childcare Week

Local events and activities will be held in childcare settings nationwide, including announcing the winners of a creative writing competition in London, launch of a report and the “Circus in the Park” regional event in Salford and Manchester where up to 300 children from local schools, childcare and nursery settings will enjoy a seated circus performance in a big top and a number of fun activities including taking part in an art workshop to create a children’s mural.

14 – 21 June: National Childminding Week

This year, to tie in with the National Year of Reading, the week will celebrate reading and the role childminders and nannies play in supporting children’s language, literacy and creativity through a variety of planned activities to bring books to life - from reading sessions to story bags to dressing up as characters from books. To support these activities NCMA will provide each of its members with a variety of materials including a sheet of bookmarks that the children can use to record the activities they have undertaken as well as an area to decorate in their own style.

National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA)

NDNA will be holding their Annual Conference on the 19 & 20 June at The Lowry Arts Centre, Manchester with two days of childcare policy and practice and their Annual Awards – also at the Lowry Arts Centre on 19 June, presented by popular actress and TV personality Debra Stephenson.

23 – 27 June: Shout Out 4Children Week

A week of events aimed at raising the voices of children and families includes launch of the annual “My Shout Out! Survey” polling the concerns of more than 1,000 children and young people, Children’s Question Time in London, 4Children’s Annual Reception at the Atrium (25 June), the prestigious Children’s Stars Awards – a gala dinner which will highlight the year’s best achievements across the children’s sector.

23 – 27 June: Pre-school Learning Alliance Playweek

During Playweek thousands of pre-schools, nurseries, playgroups and baby and toddler groups across the county will hold celebrations, open days and fundraising events to highlight the vital services they provide for the local community, and promote the importance of learning through play. The Pre-school Learning Alliance is holding Child’s Play?, its Annual Conference, exhibition and AGM on 20 June in London. This conference will deliver a timely exploration of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) led by experts in the sector.

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For more information please contact the 4Children Information Helpline on 020 7512 2100

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