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Key Area Briefing - National Childcare Strategy
Since May 1999, the Government has operated the National Childcare Strategy Initiative and new Childcare Tax Credit which are intended to develop more childcare places for children under 14.
This strategy benefits the labour market by increasing the number of women, in particular, who are able to return to work. Many women-returners bring unique skills to the workplace developed through managing households and families, have gained valuable workplace experience before having children and offer maturity, commitment and enthusiasm.
What does the 'Childcare Strategy' actually describe ?
In straight-forward terms 'Childcare Strategy' refers to new local responsibilities to collect information on the need for childcare services and plan ways in which these needs can be met, either by developing existing services or through setting up new nurseries, out-of-school clubs, play schemes and childminders.
The work is undertaken by a locally formed 'Early Years and Childcare Partnership' which discusses provision for children 0-14 years and which closely reflects the views and needs of local parents, employers and training agencies
Each year the Partnership organises and assists the production of a local 'Early Years and Childcare Development Plan' which provides a clear picture of the local area, the views and needs of local parents, employers and organisations /businesses that have been expressed, and how the Partnership intends to respond to needs for local childcare provision.
The aims of the local planning process are to create a forum where many different interests are shared and acknowledged, and to enable these views to influence developments in the local area.
What can a Childcare Strategy achieve ?
The principles which underpin the childcare strategy and local planning process include:
- developing high quality, affordable and flexible childcare services for children 0-14 years where and when they are needed.
- working in genuine partnership towards an approach which recognises the contributions that all stake-holders in a local area can make towards supporting working parents to balance work and family responsibilities
- more community educational and play resources and healthier local economies which benefit all sections of the community.
This promotes consistent business and workplace opportunities for employers and employees and builds commitment to local communities and economies
Opportunities for employers and local businesses to benefit
Recruiting, training and retaining a dedicated labour force is costly and time consuming. It is productive for the Islington area if local businesses are able to successfully attract and retain reliable, professional people with skills and experience. Enabling workers to balance home and work responsibilities either by provision of local childcare services or by promoting more flexible work patterns and mutually beneficial family friendly policies can go a long way towards achieving this.
Some of the other ways that businesses and local employers can benefit and contribute include :
- becoming a member of the local partnership or task group(s)
- contributing your views and opinions to the annual surveys and consultation processes
- letting the Partnership know what kinds of childcare support your employees need by consulting your employees through employee surveys or interviewing employees that are leaving, particularly after maternity leave
- becoming a member of local Childcare Information Services and by letting the Partnership know what kind of childcare information would assist your employees to cause least disruption to your workplace.
For more information about Islington Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership contact: 0207 527 5970
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