Nursery World - Council pools funds to level services

Families who live outside a Sure Start catchment area will soon gain access to childcare services through a scheme to end the 'postcode lottery'. The Early Years and Childcare Service in the London borough of Newham has launched the Early Start scheme to give every child under five and their parents access to joined-up local services.

The Early Years and Childcare Service in the London borough of Newham has launched the Early Start scheme to give every child under five and their parents access to joined-up local services.

Councillor Quintin Peppiatt, chair of the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, said, 'There is equal deprivation on both sides of the street, but under the current scheme only one side of the street can use the services.'

Following a review of its service delivery and funding, Newham council has devised a delivery model that specifically targets local need. Under Early Start, which will be officially launched in November, Sure Start catchment areas will expand to cover the entire borough. The council will then co-ordinate the work of the eight local Sure Start programmes with the 11 approved future children's centres.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included