First Years: Accountability for delivery of childcare lies with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. The Western Area Childcare Partnership has responsibility for the development of a range of childcare provision across the Western Health Board's catchment area. Its functions include:
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co-ordinating activity within the sector,
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assessing need,
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promoting collaborative work and good practice,
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participating in arrangements for funding programmes when required.
Structure
The structure of the Partnership includes the following components:
- Child Care Partnership/Executive Committee which is the decision making body
- Permanent sub-groups
- Five Local Early Years Fora - 1 in each district council area
- Short-term Working Groups - established to lead on particular pieces of
- Childcare Forum - inclusive body which will meet once or twice per annum with a particular focus or theme, e.g. a conference, consultation on Child Care Plan.
NICMA, the Northern Ireland Childminding Association, works to support and develop registered home-based childcare. A voluntary organisation with charitable stat us, NI CMA provides a range of care and education services to support Childminders, parents and children.
Pre-school: Sure Start is the Government’s programme to deliver the best start in life for every child by bringing together early education, childcare, health and family support. Responsibility for delivering Sure Start rests in the Sure Start Extended Schools and Families Group within the Department for Education and Skills. Responsibility for early education and childcare issues lies with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.