CYP Now - Policy & Practice: Policy into practice - Putting quality at theheart of childcare reform

Consistent evidence demonstrates that the quality of the early years environment has a direct impact on positive outcomes for children.

So the high-level commitment to quality in the Childcare Bill is verywelcome.

The introduction of the Foundation Stage for children in the early yearsis a clear mechanism to improve quality and consistency. Building on theBirth to Three Matters framework, it sets clear expectations that gobeyond the "teaching babies to count" media headlines. The interventiongoes alongside an ambitious vision for an increasingly skilledworkforce.

Local authorities, as strategic leaders in early years and childcare,have a crucial role to play, working alongside Ofsted to deliver ahard-hitting, quality development strategy. This will need to containelements including recruitment and workforce development; management andleadership - especially around children's centres; content and programmedevelopment, quality assurance and sustainability.

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