The city had a well-established strategy before the government's 10-yearchildcare plan and vision for children's centres and extended schools.The authority has always tried to work in partnership with allstakeholders, says McCarthy.
However, she admits: "Sure Start and children's centres take that to anew level."
Childcare providers can feel threatened by the idea of newprovision.
McCarthy believes it's vital to address these issues head on.
"We believe very strongly in the importance of face-to-face work," sheadds. It's not just about talking to groups of providers but alsospeaking to people one-to-one, she asserts.
And it is important that everyone is actively engaging withproviders.
That includes group care and childminding development officers,children's centre leaders and those working on extended servicesstrategy.
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