Patrick Myers, Strategic support manager, Dorset Sure Start

Every local authority is required to assess the childcare in its area. Part of my job is undertaking the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment across the development of children's centres and extended services through schools and working with colleagues in the private, voluntary and independent (PVI) sector to ensure the right balance of childcare. I work with partners to deliver a range of services that focus on narrowing the gap between children who do well and those who, for a variety of reasons, do less well.

There are always challenges. For example, 98 per cent of all childcare is provided through the PVI sector. That in itself is not a bad thing but, with such a limited maintained sector infrastructure, children's centres and extended services have had to start almost from scratch.

Dorset is a rural county, which presents particular problems when ensuring sufficient childcare. Low numbers of children under five and few large areas of deprivation mask pockets of challenge and need.

I am very satisfied and relieved when another centre opens. We include parents and carers as participants in the development of early years and childcare services and we have a county-wide parents' reference group to achieve this.

The strategic role local authorities have in delivering children's centres has meant more responsibility has come our way. The emphasis on performance management encourages everyone to be focused on outcomes and clear about objectives and to make connections between what we are doing and what we need to achieve.