Early Years Policy

Lead Administration – Wales

Officials from the Early Years Policy workstream have met on three occasions in 2009 and the work group remains committed to driving forward work on early years childcare, education and health, within which interventions are key in improving children’s life chances particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and to support families in challenging economic times.  

The work group initially focused on the work force where significant common themes have emerged amongst the eight BIC administrations.

These are: ensuring a more child-centred approach, with better integration across services including integration of workforce planning; assuring the quality of provision across the sector, wherever the child is receiving care and/or education; promoting appropriate recognition and career progression opportunities for the early years work force, with suitable qualifications to accredit their skills and knowledge; and addressing issues of diversification, retention and sustainability, recognising economic realities.