Why was it introduced?
The strategy, which aims to provide good-quality, affordable and accessible childcare, was set two tests by ministers, to provide:
* better outcomes for children, including readiness to learn by the time they reach school and enjoyable, developmental activities out of school hours; and
* the chance for more parents to take up work or training because they have access to diverse, good-quality childcare.
How does it work?
The NCS is delivered by the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships to meet local needs. The EYDCPs are attached to local authorities and are made up of childcare providers from the public, private and voluntary sectors. Between April 1997 and March 2001 almost 700,000 new childcare places have been created and the EYDCPs are well on track to meet the Government's target of providing new places for 1.6 million children by 2004.
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