As the Government's diverse goals for childcare are invited to come under the Sure Start banner, how many of them are expected to be achieved? Julian Grenier considers the issues facing the new unit...
What can local authorities do to match up childcare provision to the needs of parents in their area? Colin Horswell looks at steps towards sufficiency.
It's been a long journey from a network of small local playgroups to a united national body that is a leading provider of childcare and training. Katy Morton talks to the latest chief executive.
Ofsted is to collect additional evidence on behaviour as part of inspections to find out how the early years affect later attitudes to learning at school.
Sector leaders and experts have welcomed the Chancellor’s focus on childcare reform in the Budget, but warn the funding promised will not solve the current crisis, and there is no detail as yet on...
Now that Ofsted has inspected childcarers, the ball is in the other court. <B> Mary Evans </B> hears how they would rate the new regime
Early years settings may soon face stricter guidelines on exposing young children to animals that can harbour dangerous bacteria. Melanie Defries hears the arguments.
Consultation is under way on the latest Government proposals for the regulation of out-of-school childcare. As Simon Vevers reports, the sector is far from impressed Government plans to deregulate...
How can after-school staff keep everyone happy? Jackie Nunns looks at the essential elements of a successful relationship between staff, the parents and the host school The out-of-school sector is...