Government policies
National childcare strategy
| Starting dates |
1998: introduced 2004: updated |
|---|---|
| Key department | Department for Children, Schools and Families (formerly DfES) |
| Key delivery agency | Local authorities |
| Budget/target/comment |
Updated in 2004 as part of The Five Year Strategy for Children and Learners Aims to provide access to affordable childcare and early years services needed, supporting child development, removing barriers to parental employment and alleviating child poverty. Targets: 1. Two million new childcare places by 2006, with 1.8 million having been achieved by 2004. 2. 2,500 Children's Centres by 2008, including a centre in each of the 20 per cent most disadvantaged wards in England. A budget of around £400 million each year from 2001/02 to 2003/04. Additional resources of £770 million by 2007/08 compared with 2004/05. |