Archived decisions

SURE START STRATEGIC PLAN

1. The Executive Member has given approval to the Sure Start Strategic Plan for the period 2004-2006. This document takes the place of the former Early Years Development Plan. It sets out the way in which the County Council sets out to fulfil its statutory duties to ensure that there are good quality early education places for all children from the age of 3 years; and to ensure the provision of a children's information service.

2. The Sure Start Strategic Plan builds on the foundations laid by the previous plan and has involved full participation by all members of the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership. The Plan has four key headings:-

· Integrated services for young children and their families


· The foundation stage of education


· Creating and sustaining child care


· Developing the workforce.


The Local Education Authority has responsibility for securing delivery and implementation of the plan with particular reference to the availability of resources to provide suitable facilities and services for young children and their families, and child care places available in areas where there is most need and demand.


The general Sure Start grant for Hampshire totals £14,301,922 in 2004/05 and encompasses the following principal areas:


· SEN and inclusion, particularly children with special needs and disabilities


· Children's Centres


· Support child minder scheme


· Children's information service


· Workforce development, recruitment and training


· Nursery schools development


· Extended schools


· New child care places

3. The Sure Start Strategic Plan, which came into effect on 1 April 2004, will guide the work of the Early Years and Childcare Unit as investment in good quality early education and childcare expands. It builds upon the successes of previous plans and responds to the challenges of the Green Paper "Every Child Matters" and the proposals for integrated Children's services now emerging from the Children Bill. There will continue to be close collaboration with all members of the Early Years Development and Child Care Partnership to ensure a coordinated approach by all those with an interest in improving the quality, range and sufficiency of early education and childcare.