The ‘Supporting Children & Families’ project aims to offer childcare providers in the private, voluntary and community sectors, the same opportunities for training and information as those working in Children’s Centres. The project steering group includes representation from the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC), National Day Nurseries Association, National Childminding Association, SkillsActive, DfES, Pre-School Learning Alliance and Essex County Council.

Regional “conversations” are due to be held between now and June to build on the research already undertaken and to identify the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours needed to deliver integrated working. The project is expected to help meet the Government’s ambitious and far-reaching targets to improve professional standards in the childcare industry. This will be achieved by providing accredited training that enables all practitioners to build their skills and understanding of integrated working enabling private, voluntary and independent providers to be an integral part of this delivery.

The Government aims to have a graduate level professional with Early Years Professional (EYP) status in every Children’s Centre by 2010 and in every full daycare setting by 2015. It is expected that those with EYP status will lead work with children and the delivery of the Foundation Stage. In addition, all childcare workers will be encouraged to achieve at least an NVQ Level 3 qualification. The Transformation Fund 2006-08 has outlined several measures to help achieve these long-term targets but the steering group has said that more support for all childcare workers at all levels is needed.

Anne Longfield, Chief Executive of 4Children said: “The Supporting Children and Families Workforce project is looking ahead to 2008 and beyond at what training needs will be required. It is predicted that 75% of childcare will be delivered outside the public sector, outside Children’s Centres and by the private voluntary sector in and around schools. It is therefore vital that voluntary and independent sector childcare providers are able to respond to, and engage with, the agenda for integrated childcare services in their local areas. This training will offer crucial help in delivering integrated practice in all childcare settings at this important stage of development.”

Jane Haywood, Chief Executive of the Children’s Workforce Development Council comments: “Integrated working is an essential part of ensuring the sector can deliver the very best for our children and families. This new training programme will support the workforce in achieving the ambitious aims the Government has set out for universal, high-quality childcare. The private, voluntary and independent sectors are a crucial part of achieving this vision and we look forward to seeing this training support the workforce in delivering integrated practice.”

For further information on the project and details of how to get involved with the consultation contact Brenda Pascal, Project Co-ordinator, 4Children on 020 7522 6920 or brenda.pascal@4children.org.uk

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