Nursery World - Childcare favoured in spending review

Early years organisations have welcomed Government plans to create centres providing health, education and childcare services for families in the poorest parts of England, and to create a new unit to ensure 'joined-up' policies for children.

policies for children.

Plans for centres in the 20 per cent most disadvantaged wards - about 1,600 areas - were announced last week as part of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review. Under the review, the Government said 1.5bn is to be spent per year on childcare, the early years and Sure Start by 2005-06.

The Government envisages that, by March 2006, 300,000 more children and their parents will have access to integrated childcare provision with early years education, family support and health services through the children's centres. It also plans to create an extra 250,000 childcare places, including those in the children's centres.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included