Early Years and Childcare Unit

Early Years & Childcare Audit 2005 Summary (pdf 270KB)

Early Years & Childcare Audit 2005 Full Report (pdf 1MB)

Nottingham City Early Years & Childcare Unit (EYCU) was established in 1998 as a cross-departmental initiative between the Departments of Leisure and Community Services, Social Services and Education. The Early Years & Childcare Unit is responsible for developing the National Childcare Strategy at a local level, co-ordination of the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) and preparation of the Early Years Development and Childcare Plan. The EYDCP is made up of people who are working in childcare and early education or represent those who do so. The EYDCP Plan shows how Nottingham City will meet its targets to develop and sustain provision and to ensure provision is high quality, affordable and accessible. At the same time, it sets targets for recruitment and training of staff to the expanding childcare workforce.

The EYCU has responsibility for sustaining and developing new early education (3-4 years) and childcare (0-14 years, or 16 for those with a disability or special educational needs) across all sectors and administration of the Nursery Education Fund for free nursery education places. The Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership develops local provider networks and supports existing networks. It offers a training programme for providers across all sectors to facilitate the enhancement of skills and quality of the workforce. It can offer detailed advice and support on establishing, financing and running childcare within local communities.  In September 2001 the Registration and Inspection of daycare and childminding became the main function of the Early Years Directorate within OFSTED. The Unit will continue to offer information, advice and training to those wanting to provide childcare & nursery education.

Through its Children and Families Information Service (Freephone: 0800 458 4114) the EYCU will offer a comprehensive service to practitioners and the public on all services available related to children and families. The Children and Families Information Service also provide & maintain the Nottingham City information in www.services4notts.org.uk, the directory of services for children & young people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.