CYP Now - Policy & Practice: Policy into practice - The role of councils inlocal childcare markets

The economic case for childcare and preventative children's services is clear. Investment in early intervention makes a real difference in improving children's outcomes, and is economically efficient. The Government is beginning to respond to this by putting money into childcare and wider children's services, and integrating preventative services through children's trusts.

In addition, local authorities have a crucial role in demonstrating thiseconomic case. They can do this by providing strategic leadership andvision for children, and by creating a local framework within whichservice providers and practitioners can thrive.

In the case of childcare services, the local authorities' role manifestsitself through the focus on strategic management and the emphasis ondeveloping a robust business model for providers. Both are crucial toensuring investment is used efficiently. In the context of the newduties in the Childcare Bill, councils will be required to map localprovision and assess need proactively, and create a better alignmentbetween the two. Building on considerable experience, councils will alsoneed to ensure that sustainability strategies and robust business modelsoperate throughout.

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