Scotland's children's minister has said he is hoping to bring forward the launch of the new early years strategy for Scotland (CYP Now, 7-13 November).

Adam Ingram told CYP Now the strategy was planned for late summer or autumn 2008 but said he was looking to bring this forward.

"The first few years of a child's life are important," he said. "We are looking at extending nursery provision and the link to universal services to identify families at risk a earlier."

A spokesman for the Scottish government said the funding for the strategy would be included in the revised funding arrangements for local authorities, which will see hem receive one pot of money for services.