A number of measures will be taken to ensure that the maximum number of children access free education places based on our financial allocation for 3 year olds. Our expectation of and commitment to reaching universal nursery education is explicit in this plan. We will use the government’s calculation that 85% of all three year olds represents universal education. This will be based on the mid-term estimates from the district audit which reflects the cohorts of three year olds on the Island according to the 2001 census figures.

All eligible children will be notified of their entitlement to free places, through specific publicity for pre-schools, toddler groups, health visitors, Sure Start, Home Start and Social Services teams, and through our Children’s Information Service (FIZ) Newsletter.

Building work at the maintained sector nurseries is at the planning application stage and places will come on-stream from Summer 2003 to Spring 2004. We anticipate that the uptake of places in the maintained sector will increase as the settings begin to offer associated wrap around care places.

Box 4: If applicable, proposed revised strategic goal/target

The reduced take up of the full 5 two and a half hour sessions results in more children being able to access nursery education (18% of take up is for less than the full 5 sessions) i.e. 775 children have accessed places in Autumn 2002 whereas our allocation figure is 733. In order to meet 85% of our cohort number (mid term estimate) we will need to offer 1123 free places.

We will find difficulty in meeting the 920 target (March 2004) if the 18% continue to take up less than the full entitlement. 858 is the target for the end of 2002/3 and this also will be difficult to achieve. At this stage we did not want to reduce the target but flag up the difficulties.

DfES Strategic Goal 2: To create new childcare places for 1.6m children by March 2004 which, taking account of turnover in existing places, should allow around 1m extra children to benefit from childcare in England alone

Please complete Tables 2a and 2b within the Excel workbook

Box 1: Local 2001-04 goal and any intermediate milestone/targets

To meet the government target of 1.6M new childcare places this Partnership will aim for a 20% increase in childcare by 2004. The provision will be developed over all sectors, Out of school childcare, Pre-school childcare and Childminders. A target number of 1067 places will be developed by March 2004 604 Out of School places and 463 Pre-school places

Box 2: Progress to date

By March 2003 our cumulative totals for new places created, as recorded in Quarterly reports returned 00/01, 01/02 and 02/03, including anticipated development to March 2003 are:-

Out of School including Childminders = 869

Pre-school including Childminders = 563

Total = 1,432

We have submitted a New Opportunities bid for a further 71 places for out of school care. We have opened 20 NNI pre-school places.

The Development Officer has continued to support Pre-schools, Schools and Private provision to develop new and additional places in all areas across the Island.

The NNI project Managers have met regularly to support the development of Neighbourhood Nursery Places, one nursery has been able to open 20 places and one project has had their Capital bid agreed and they held a ceremony to celebrate the turning of the first ‘sod’

The Recruitment Officer offers a service to all providers for recruiting staff to ensure that provision has sufficient qualified staff.

The number of places with Childminders has decreased, we feel that this is due to the change to OFSTED regulations, increased planning regulations and other provision opened in competition.

Box 3: Key priorities and actions for 2003-04

Our main target this year will be to concentrate on middle schools and high schools where we have had a slow response to the development of Out of school childcare in this area.

Parents are reluctant to pay for childcare for their older children and older children need a facility specifically designed to meet their needs.

At 1^st December 2002 we received our guidance on extended schools, so we will consult with school Governors to establish where we could establish these new ventures

The Early Years Partnership and the LEA will need to form and develop a strategic view on a potential programme and will need to develop structures to support the development of extended school services. At present the plans include the development of local school clusters to include provision through Children’s Centres in the most disadvantaged areas.

The local Children and Young People’s strategic partnership board and the local Children’s Trust will play a key role in ensuring that these services help support a broader community strategy.

The requirement placed on local authorities to identify children and young people most at risk of social exclusion, and the development of a preventative strategy, will also impact on new initiatives in childcare and family support at a local level.

Box 4: If applicable, proposed revised strategic goal

Revised target of 1381. This is 314 additional places.

We would like to reduce our childminder places to 60 in all areas we will seek to maintain 12 places in areas of disadvantage.

DfES Strategic Target 2: To have set up at least 360,000 new out-of-school childcare places for 720,000 children by 2003

Please complete Table 2c within the Excel Workbook

Box 1: Local 2001-04 target and any intermediate milestone targets

To meet the Governments targets this Partnership had been given a target of 569 new out of school places by 2004, we have already achieved this target and exceeded it by 300 places. Providing that The New Opportunity Fund agrees to fund additional places we plan to create an additional 256 places.

Box 2: Progress to date

We have developed 869 places in After School Clubs, Holiday Clubs and Breakfast provision. The provision has been with new Out of School Clubs, additional places in existing provision and Childminders.

During the last year we planned to target Middle Schools we have created places that serve eight local Middle Schools.

Places have also been developed in two High Schools, one now runs a successful Breakfast Club and a second initiative has just started to offer after school and holiday places for Middle and High School children. The other initiatives include:-

Scallywags at Lake

Scallywags at Carisbrooke

MACS at Sandown High School places after school and holiday – a joint project with the Children’s Fund

Ryde High school Breakfast Club breakfast places

Bishop Lovett Breakfast Club

Swanmore Breakfast Club breakfast places

St Saviours Fun Club

Cheeky Chimps wrap around care places and all year round out of school places

Barton Primary Breakfast and After School Club

Dover Park Breakfast Club

Box 3: Key priorities and actions for 2003-04

Providing funding allows we will focus new developments in areas where families are still not being offered out of school childcare and in Middle and High Schools childcare in rural areas is still underdeveloped; sustainability, viability and transport are major issues.

Having recently received information on the ‘Make space’ programme we will investigate how this initiative can be developed in High schools or Youth clubs’

Box 4: If applicable, proposed revised strategic target

Proposed new target providing funding is approved - 967.

DfES Strategic Target 4: To ensure that on average, new childcare places created between April 2001 and March 2004 add significantly to the local level of stock for the relevant category: for every 10 new out of school places that open, no more than 1 should close; and for every 10 new childcare places for pre-school age children created, no more 3 than should close. On childminding, from the current position of an average of 10.5 places closing for 10 that open, Partnerships should ensure that there is an improvement to at least a 10% positive turnover, i.e. for every 10 new childminder places created, no more than 9 should close.

Please complete Table 4a within the Excel Workbook

Box 1: Local 2001-04 target and any intermediate milestone targets

We set a milestone target of 565 out of school places, 336 Pre-school places and 99 Childminders (331) places up to the end March 2003. We have exceeded the target number of places created in Out of School Clubs and in Pre-schools but the number of Childminder places created is less than our target. The total number has been difficult to calculate as we do not know how many Childminders are registered or pending. This is due to the lack of accurate up to date information from OFSTED. Pre – school places are also more than the milestone target for 2002/2003.

Box 2: Progress to date

We anticipate that we will have created 787 Out of School places overall by 2002/3. We have had closure of five out of school groups with the loss of 98 places.

We have created 381 pre-school places, 4 groups have closed with the loss of 90 places.

One of these year round closures is still planning to offer seasonal childcare during the main holiday period for staff children and as a Holiday Children’s Club. We are working closely with a new provider to ensure that all the children will have places for the January term 2003.

Five Out of School Groups closed with the loss of 98 places 20 of these places were in a seasonal provision that will re-open to offer places during the Summer 2003 for employee’s children and holiday makers.

16 groups took advantage of the one to one business support that the Partnership offers through a contract with Business Link Wessex. The support given helps Pre-schools and Out of School managers to manage their provision as a business, and encourages them to seek ways of ensuring they will be financially sustainable for the future.

Business Link have offered courses and workshops on Core Business Skills, People skills, Budgeting and Financial Forecasting, these have been well attended by delegates from Pre-school, Out of School and on the last session Childminders.

The take up of the Start Up Grant for Childminders has not made a significant difference to the overall number of new Childminders, and we have had very few Childminders wishing to start up in areas of disadvantage.

Box 3: Key priorities and actions for 2003-04

The recruitment of new Childminders will remain a priority. We are aware that many of our Childminders have cancelled their registration in the last twelve months. Many have stated that the main reason for not childminding any longer is that they find that the OFSTED Registration is too lengthy and complicated. Many have been in the process of registration for up to 9 months and some have lost documents in the process. To date we think we have lost 58 Childminders which has had a significant impact on the number of Childminders available to families in the rural areas and where parents want childcare for unusual hours i.e. weekends and evenings.

Our Recruitment Campaign will target these areas to inform potential Childminders of support available, including grants, support with form filling, training opportunities and information on the local Childminding Networks.

Box 4: If applicable, proposed revised strategic target

The new proposed places and those already created would ensure that those places in Out of School and Pre-school are in line with our initial targets. Our Childminder targets will not be achieved as the loss of 58 Childminders during the last year will reduce our total number of Childminders to 117. We know that 20 Childminders are in the process of registration and we have a third Introduction to Childminding Practice course that will run in the spring term, which will bring more Childminders in to this sector. Our revised target for this strategic period for Childminders is therefore: - Total 324 places, Pre-school places 227 and Out of school places 97.

DfES Strategic Target 5: To have set up, by 2004, a minimum of 120,000 new childcare places with childminders across England in addition to the 25,000 places in areas of disadvantage referred to in target 6.

Please complete Table 5 within the Excel workbook

Box 1: Local 2001-04 target and any intermediate milestone targets

This Partnership set a target of 11 childminder places in areas of disadvantage to be achieved by the end March 2003 or where there were currently few Childminders or no alternative childcare provision, especially in rural areas. Our overall strategic target is 20.

Box 2: Progress to date

To date we have created 12 places with Childminders in areas of disadvantage.

The Recruitment Campaign focused on childcare provision in all areas, this has been successful in recruiting new Childminders but it is difficult to focus specific activities to target areas of disadvantage.

We have had a new recruitment video produced, which has had a higher focus on Childminders. We are planning to show this video at special events aimed specifically at this target group.

All Childminders are offered free accredited training in childminding and professional development through the EYDCP including travel and childcare if necessary.

New Childminders are offered a Start Up Grant to assist them establishing their Childminding business.

Childminders have been able to access Business Link support to ensure they are creating a sustainable business.

All childminder places are advertised through our Family Information Zone.

We have exceeded our agreed target of 11 places in areas of disadvantage

Box 3: Key priorities and actions for 2003-04

We still have areas on the Island where there are no Childminders; this is particularly problematic in rural areas where group childcare is not sustainable so parents are reliant on a local Childminder.

We will continue to target prospective Childminders and illegal Childminders through media campaigns. We will continue to offer a higher level of financial support to Childminders setting up in areas of disadvantage as these places are crucial to the parents on low income who wish to return to employment.

On the Island, rural areas are defined as areas of disadvantage for the purpose of support and grant funding.

Box 4: If applicable, proposed revised strategic target

No change to this target.

DfES Strategic Goal 3: By 2004, the Government’s ambition is that there should be a childcare place in the most disadvantaged areas for every lone parent entering employment. The percentage of lone parents perceiving childcare as a barrier will be monitored nationally to help measure progress

Box 1: Local 2001-04 goal and any intermediate milestone targets

The Partnership agreed to target areas of disadvantage where there was little or no childcare provision, either in-group care or Childminding places.

The Partnership agreed to develop 180 NNI places, 85 Out of school places and 11 Childminder places in areas of disadvantage by March 2003. These projects would be supported with higher financial grant aid to assist them in becoming established.

Box 2: Progress to date

After discussion with the DfES, the Partnership has endorsed the development of 220 Neighbourhood nursery places, 20 places have already opened in one setting.

A net total of 182 Out of School places have been established in areas of disadvantage and have secured three year funding from the New Opportunities Fund. In round 8 of the NOF funding programme 40 places were created in areas of disadvantage these projects did not receive 2^nd and 3rd year funding.

12 Childminder places were established during 2001/2002

All new projects in areas of disadvantage are made aware of the extra funding available to them.

The EYDCP arrange regular project meetings to ensure that the new NNI providers are developing provision that will be affordable to the local community and to support the NNI project leaders.

The Development Officer has worked with Out of School childcare providers to develop 212 Out of School places in areas of disadvantage and 50 Pre-school places have converted to offer wrap around care in areas of disadvantage. Most of the projects have applied for and received 2^nd and 3^rd year funding.

The FIZ (CIS) team meets regularly with the Lone Parent Advisors in three areas of the Island Newport, Ryde and Shanklin. They work closely together to identify areas of need for parents seeking employment and affordable childcare. One Advisor has reported that there is a lack of full Day-care and Out of School provision in the East Cowes area. It is hoped that the establishment of the new NNI nursery will alleviate this problem for the younger children. A project to provide all year round care at a local Primary and Pre-school will provide places for the older children.

The childcare Recruitment Officer works with the Lone Parent Advisors and the local Job Centres to ensure that where childcare is identified as an issue to returning to work, officers work to ensure that provision is in place.

The FIZ (CIS) team have prepared a local leaflet for parents promoting WFTC and they have planned a joint event with the Inland Revenue offering 5 road shows promoting the new Childcare credits and advice on how to apply for this new benefit.

Box 3: Key priorities and actions for 2003-04

The Partnership will continue to support projects in areas of disadvantage where little or no childcare has already been established. The Development Officer will work with the Lone Parent Advisors to identify areas where parents have indicated that they are experiencing difficulty securing affordable childcare.

In collaboration with The Children’s Fund an enhanced mobile service will be developed to ensure that parents in more rural communities have access to the services provided by FIZ.

Box 4: If applicable, proposed revised strategic goal

We will have exceeded our targets for places in areas of disadvantage for Out of School provision; once the NNI nurseries are opened we will exceed the Pre-school target by 30 places. We have exceeded our original milestone target of 11 Childminder places. The introduction of the NNI nurseries in disadvantaged areas may have an impact on the number of Childminders needed as parents will have more choice on childcare provision. The revised target for NNI places is 220.

DfES Strategic Goal 4: By March 2004 to reduce the difference in the number of formal childcare places available in England for children aged 0-14 between the 20% most disadvantaged wards and other areas to no more than 3.7 places per 100 children.

Please note that the national formulation of this goal has now been agreed. Except for optional rows e and f, the data needed for the table remains as in previous years. However, the calculation to identify the childcare gap has altered from that in your Implementation Plan 2002-03. In that plan the childcare gap was defined as the percentage difference between the percentage penetration rate in disadvantaged areas and the percentage penetration rate in all areas including disadvantaged areas. It is now defined as the difference in childcare places per hundred children between disadvantaged and other (rather than all) areas.

Some local authorities have expressed concern that by developing provision in pockets of deprivation outside the 20% most disadvantaged wards they are widening the childcare gap. Where you are able to identify child population and childcare place data for agreed pockets, you may include these in the calculation of the childcare gap, in rows e and f of the table. Where you are unable to do this you should leave these rows blank.

Please complete Table 4b within the Excel workbook.

Box 1: Local 2001-04 goal and any intermediate milestone targets

The provision will be developed using Day Nurseries, Childminders and Out of school clubs across the Island.

All Childminders developing provision in areas of disadvantage will be eligible for the higher grant available through the Childcare Grant.

Through the NNI grant and an examination of the existing penetration rates for childcare places and our audit of assessed need, we have identified areas where we will develop or extend provision.

Annual mile stones set were:-

2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004

168 24 10

Box 2: Progress to date

The NNI project managers and the NNI project group have continued to meet on a regular basis so that provision is developed where it is most needed and that all developments are supported in the development of the new provision. 20 places for children 2 - 5 years have already opened at Cowes Love Lane. The Project at Oakfield in Ryde has received their Capital grant agreement and held a ‘ground breaking ceremony’ to publicise their new development. Mog Ball our Partnership Chair officiated at the event.

Five projects have received Development Grants and their plans have been submitted to planning.

The Development Officer and the Recruitment Officer will continue to work with the Employment Officer and the New Deal Officer to ensure that parents that are seeking training and employment can access affordable quality childcare.

This project is jointly funded by Ryde Sure Start, the Partnership continues to work closely with Ryde Sure Start to ensure that we are developing provision that is affordable and accessible to families in disadvantaged areas.

The Isle of Wight College has submitted a bid to develop new childcare places for college students who wish to access training at the college site.

In 2002 –2003 we have created 192 net Out of School places in areas of disadvantage in an attempt to maintain the provision in areas of disadvantage. We have also created 55 additional places that serve areas of disadvantage in Ryde and East Cowes.

In addition to the NNI Projects, we developed 58 Pre-school places in areas of disadvantage but lost 49 places (2002-2003) because we have exceeded our targets for all Out of School places we have now technically created a childcare gap.

All but one of the NNI project managers attended the Step in to Learning programme organised by the Basic Skills Council.

Box 3: Key priorities and actions for 2003-04

We will continue to support the NNI project team who will be developing their new places.

In total there are 9 nursery projects, 6 capital funded projects, 3 revenue funded only, providing over the next year 220 places.

The project team to include the LEA Property Services Manager, our designated architect, the Partnership Lead Officer and the Sure Start Officer. The Development Officer will continue to meet project leaders regularly to support the projects.

We have exceeded our Out of School places but we will continue to work with schools and Pre-schools that are able to develop places with financial support from NOF.

To support the existing Out of School care in areas of disadvantage we will investigate funding opportunities that have been outlined in recent information from the DfES that will be targeted for sustainability.

The support from Business Link will be available to these providers to ensure that they are creating businesses that will be sustainable long term.

Encourage more Childminders in disadvantaged areas.

Box 4: If applicable, proposed revised strategic goal::

We have exceeded our targets in Out of School provision and will have created 40 places in Pre-school provision. New targets of 220 NNI places and 195 Out of School places will establish our revised targets. The Childminder target in areas of disadvantage will remain the same (20).

DfES Strategic Target 6: To have set up, by 2004, a minimum of 70,000 new childcare places for pre-school aged children in areas of disadvantage; this figure to broadly comprise 45,000 group-care based places (equivalent to 900 new 50 place nurseries) and 25,000 childminder based places.

This target covers all aspects of the Neighbourhood Childcare Initiative, and as previously is split into three separate sections – on Neighbourhood Nurseries (target 6a), Neighbourhood Out of School projects (target 6b) and Neighbourhood Childminding (target 6c).

Strategic Target 6a – Neighbourhood Nurseries

Please complete Table 6a within the Excel workbook.

Box 1: Local 2001-04 target and any intermediate milestone targets:

Our original target was to create 210 places by 2004 for children 0-5 years. It was anticipated that we would open 168 places in 2001, 24 places in 2002 and 10 by 2003-2004.

Box 2: Progress to date:

We have opened 20 places at Cowes Love Lane for children 2-5 years.

The project in Ryde Oakfield has received their Capital bid agreement and they have started the building programme with an expected opening date of April 2003 (43 places).

Five projects have received their Development Grant and their Capital bid has been submitted to NOF. The plans have been submitted to the Planning Department for approval and the approved architect is working closely with the project managers and the Partnership to develop high quality provision in these areas.

Five of the project managers have attended conferences and training events on the mainland organised for NNI project managers and have found this useful when thinking about the development of their provision.

Baby and Toddler endorsement (Diploma in Childcare and Education) will be offered through the Isle of Wight College and the EYDCP. We will have completed the Steps in to Learning programme by March 2003 and held training sessions through the project managers meetings on design issues relating to the indoor and outdoor play areas.

Box 3: Key priorities and actions for 2003-04:

Continue to support all projects through the project managers meeting.

Encourage all providers to sign up to a Quality Assurance Scheme for day care provision. Design and planning for the indoor and outdoor provision to be on-going through the project managers meetings.

Box 4: If applicable, proposed revised strategic target

We have increased our NNI places from 210 to 220.

Strategic Target 6b: Neighbourhood Out of School projects (New Opportunities Fund out-of-school childcare in Disadvantaged Areas)

Please complete Table 6b within the Excel workbook.

Box 1: Local 2001-04 target and any intermediate milestone targets

Taken from our 3 year NOF plan, using funding agreed by New Opportunities Fund this Partnership proposed to develop 145 places in areas of disadvantage by 2004.

Box 2: Progress to date

We have developed 192 net Out of School places in areas of disadvantage, we have also created 55 places in areas that serve wards of disadvantage.

All Out of School Clubs in areas of disadvantage have been supported in applying for three year funding from NOF.

The managers of these projects have been encouraged to apply for Business Link support that encourages them to manage their provisions as a viable business long.

Box 3: Key priorities and actions for 2003-04

The main focus for the Partnership will be to ensure that provision that has already been established will be sustained. The Development Officer will investigate funding streams that the DfES have indicated will be available for the next two rounds of funding for sustainability and SEN.

Box 4: If applicable, proposed revised strategic target:

We have exceeded our target for Out of School places but because we have also exceeded our overall target it has technically created a childcare gap in areas of disadvantage.

Strategic Target 6c: Neighbourhood Childminding (Childminder Start up grant and Sustainability Grant)

Please complete Table 6c within the Excel workbook.

Box 1: Local 2001-04 target and any intermediate milestone targets

Using the Childminder Start Up Grant for Childminding in areas of disadvantage the Partnership proposed to develop 20 additional Childminder places (strategic target).

Box 2: Progress to date

During 2001-2002 we developed 12 Childminder places in areas of disadvantage.

This year at the end of quarter two we had no new registered Childminders in areas of disadvantage.

Our Recruitment Officer has been focusing on the recruitment of Childminders in disadvantaged areas but it has been difficult to know which Childminders have been registered due to lack of information from OFSTED.

We have not made any grants to Childminders from disadvantaged areas so we are making the assumption that we have been unsuccessful in recruiting Childminders in these areas.

Box 3: Key priorities and actions for 2003-04

We will focus additional publicity in areas of disadvantage through the Recruitment Campaign.

We have identified that in some social housing in areas of disadvantage, due to clauses in their deeds, tenants are not allowed to develop businesses in their homes and Childminding is classed as a business. This will also apply to people renting their property through local housing agencies.

Box 4: If applicable, proposed revised strategic target

We may find our original target of 20 places in areas of disadvantage difficult to achieve. We have created 12 and need to create 8 more by March 2004. We will work towards this target but it may be difficult to achieve.

DfES Strategic Target 12: To ensure sufficient training is available so that all childcare providers can meet the national standards for under eights day care and childminding.

This strategic target originally suggested that we would set specific local targets for the level of qualifications to be achieved by 2004. Instead, we have decided to set a flexible target to allow each local authority with its Partnership to take account of local circumstances. You should set local targets for training to contribute to the national targets. As before you are expected to report on progress towards the local targets for training you have set jointly with your Local Learning and Skills Council. The targets should take account of the qualification requirements of the National Childcare Standards for Under Eights Day Care and Childminding and the training and qualification needs of local childcare providers.

Please complete Table 12 within the Excel workbook.

Those with level 3 or higher qualifications should also be counted as having level 2 or higher qualifications.

“Leaders” includes the person in charge and supervisors in full day care sessions, and the person in charge in sessional day care, out of school care and crèches.

"Relevant" qualifications means within early years, childcare and playwork.

Level 2 / 3 qualifications include NVQs and other qualifications at broadly these levels, both from the Qualifications Framework and older qualifications.

a) The Framework of nationally accredited qualifications is on QCA’s website at

http://www.qca.org.uk/nq/subjects/childcare/early_years.asp and

http://www.qca.org.uk/nq/subjects/childcare/playwork.asp

b) A 3-page list containing both qualifications from the Framework and some

common out-dated qualifications was used in the 2001 Childcare Workforce Surveys. For example the survey of nurseries contains this list (page 72-74 of the published version or from page 76 of the pdf version which is available on

http://www.dfes.gov.uk/childcarecareers/workforce.cfm

c) A more exhaustive (40-page) list of acceptable qualifications is available on

http://www.dfes.gov.uk/daycare/acept.shtml

For further information on which level 2 or 3 qualifications count for the purposes of the National Standards contact Dearbhala Giffin (0207 273 5689).

See table 12

Box 1: Local 2001-04 target and any intermediate milestone targets

Box 2: Progress to date

Training levels

All our targets have been reached except:-

Playwork Level II: Considerable time and energy has been spent on developing a programme that was both accessible and appropriately assessed. The lack of assessors with experience of playwork with children aged 12 – 16 has caused difficulty in accreditation with CACHE.

DfES training grants have enabled 28 students to attend NVQ level II in 2002/3.

Management and Leadership: A number of professional development sessions have

been offered which contained management and leadership elements including legislative

requirements, financial management, recruitment and retention of staff. However, we

have not run a specific NVQ4 or 5 programmes yet this year – negotiations are still taking

place with the IOW college and an independent training consultant.

Making Choices: As yet prospective take up has not justified bringing an accredited

trainer from the mainland to run this programme. It would be easier and more cost

effective to devise our own with similar content.

Within the Partnership, we have started to put together a more comprehensive list,

although assessors for older children is a regional problem.

LSC: The memorandum of understanding has now been agreed and will form the basis of

the partnership with the LSC. The partnership with LSC and the other local Early Years

Partnerships will be of benefit to the EYDCP when the joint training programmes and

funding for specific initiatives are rolled out.

Box 3 : Key priorities and actions for 2003-04

Accredited training: We will continue to work in close partnership with our major training providers including: the IoW College, the local authority, and local assessment centres. This has led to successful and well attended courses over the last year. Dialogue will continue with LSC, CACHE and other accrediting bodies. Student evaluations will be analysed for quality and also to assess the impact/effectiveness of training on practice. Tools for reflective practice will be developed in 2002-2003 and training will be delivered in 2003-2004.

1)    Accredited training that will be provided:

No. of places to be offered on courses

Childcare and Education level 3

50

Childcare and Education level 2

30

HNC/D level 4 Early Childhood Studies

20

Diploma in Pre-school Practice level 3

15

Playwork    level 3

15

Playwork    level 2

20

First Aid

120 (10c x 12p)

Baby and toddler endorsement level 3

20

Introducing Childminder Practice

30

Developing Childminder Practice

20

Extending Childminder Practice

10

Positive Behaviour Module/circle time

15

Foundation endorsed Degree

6

Portage training (3 days for 25 people)

25

Diploma in Childcare and Education (CACHE)

100

2. Professional Development Training/sessions :

No. of places to be offered on courses

Child Protection

150 (5w x 30p)

Business planning, people skills, financial management

80

SEN training for setting SENCos

218 (2w x 109p)

Risk Assessment (SEN)

36 (3w x 12p)

Manual Handling (SEN)

36 (3w x 12p)

Leadership and Management (non-m) 4 x 3hour sessions

20

Planning, observation, assessment strategies, recording for maintained Teachers and Teaching Assistants

167

Foundation Profile training for year one (71) and pre-school groups (62)

109

Involving parents in their children’s learning (Penn Green follow up) 1 day for prospective settings

30

The learning environment – inside and outside, Summer Saturday Conference 5^th July 03

80

Child Development (ASTs to run 2 twilights in October 1^st & 8^th and repeated in February 25^th/March 3^rd) 2x 25

50

Conflict resolution supporting children with negotiating skills (2 sessions for 25)

25

Briefing for those interested in being a Childminder (replacing Making Choices)

15

3. Location based Professional Cluster groups,

Support groups

No. of places offered

(average cluster group = 15, 11 cluster groups meeting 6 times per year)

Foundation Stage curriculum planning

990

Quality Assurance Scheme

990

Pre-school to school transfer documentation

990

Tools for reflective practice

990

Curriculum areas – ICT, Music

990

Representation, Mark making and emergent writing

990

Anti-discriminatory principles and practice

990

Involving parents in their children’s learning – principles into practice

990

4. Parent Programmes offered through the Partnership

No. of places offered on courses

Support/training group for parents with children with SEN

20

‘The Incredible Years’ training (Sure Start)

20

Protective Behaviours (Sure Start)

20

[IJB1]

All settings will be advised through the Early Years and Partnership Newsletter and Training Programme of all courses and grants available for training. Cluster groups (11 in all) are now co-ordinated by the Foundation Key Stage Advisor to ensure continuity and consistency of approach.

Box 4: If applicable, proposed revised strategic target

As the current status (column 3 table 12) reflects a very positive position we intend to make small increases in these figures as our target for March 2004. This is in line with the Neighbourhood Nursery and Maintained sector developments that will require additional trained staff during 2003-04.

DfES Strategic Target 13: To ensure that all practitioners delivering Foundation Stage education as part of their EYDC Plans have access to an average of 4 days relevant training and development per year, by 2004.

Please complete Table 13 within the Excel workbook.

Box 1: Local 2001-04 target and any intermediate milestone targets

See table 13

Box 2: Progress to date

A range of courses both accredited and offering professional development were made available last year. These provided an opportunity for at least 4 days professional training for all practitioners delivering Foundation Stage education. It is a strong principle of our training programme that as many sessions as possible are offered to all practitioners irrespective of maintained or non-maintained status. All courses were offered except those outlined in Target 12 box 2.

Box 3: : Key priorities and actions for 2003-04

The programme offered for 2003-2004 for Foundation Stage practitioners is based on an audit of professional needs in the reception classes, conducted during summer/autumn 2002 by the Foundation Stage Advisory Teacher during visits and cluster meetings.

Through a combination of professional support from the Foundation Key Stage Advisor, the Pre-school Development Workers, the Training Co-ordinator and the Senior Office Manager providing the baseline data, we will be in a better position to identify setting needs and individual needs for professional qualifications and training and to plan partnership priorities. This along with evaluations from current training/support/cluster meetings will enable us to target training at specific areas of need. OFSTED reports from Schools and Pre-schools (from combined inspections) will also inform our programme.

By the end of March 2003 the audit of qualifications and training needs in the voluntary, independent and private sector, conducted through questionnaires, visits and focussed interviews, will be completed. This will inform our Strategic Plan 2004 – 2007

Box 4: If applicable, proposed revised strategic target

See table

DfES Strategic Target 14: To ensure that, by 2004, all settings that deliver a Foundation Stage curriculum have access to the input and advice from a QTS teacher. The target ratio for involvement is 1 teacher to every 10 non-maintained settings, by 2004.

Please complete Table 14 within the Excel workbook.

Box 1: Local 2001-04 target and any intermediate milestones/targets:

See Table 14

Box 2: Progress to date

See table 14

Box 3: Key priorities and actions for 2003-04

We shall continue to undertake the following:-

Our existing Development Team, led by the Foundation Stage Advisory Teacher, works on a daily basis with the Lead Officer for the Partnership and the Inspector for Early Years (both qualified early years’ teachers). In addition our 3 Area SENCOs, who support Foundation Stage settings, are all qualified teachers with recent and relevant experience.

11 professional cluster groups enable input from experienced practitioners, promote professional development and provide a venue for sharing good practice in early years’ settings. 6 of the cluster co-ordinators are qualified teachers. Settings that do not attend cluster groups are reminded during advisory visits, and though newsletters, that the groups are there to support them.

In addition, our Quality Assurance Assessors offer feedback and follow up action points highlighted during the assessment of our “Flying High for Early Years” Quality Assurance scheme. 2 of our Assessors are qualified teachers, and 3 are highly experienced and qualified early years’ practitioners.

New activities include:-

In addition to existing QTS staff offering input and professional development to the non-maintained sector, it is proposed that 2 Advanced Skills Teachers will be seconded to Early Years to work alongside maintained and non-maintained providers from September 2003, and a group of 5 teachers will be identified to act as moderators and advisory support for the Foundation Stage Profile from April 2003. As part of the Barton’s Early Excellence Centre’s Memorandum of Understanding with the EYDC Partnership, 3 QTS staff will be available to support, train and provide examples of good practice in the Foundation Stage.

Box 4: If applicable, proposed revised strategic target

Allowing for a transfer from QTS to non-QTS in the cluster co-ordinators role, and some dual responsibility across SENCO, EEC teachers, and Foundation Profile moderators, we have revised our targets as set out in column 4.

DfES Strategic Target 16: To ensure that at least 40% of providers nationally have been accredited by a quality assurance scheme by 2004.

Please complete Table 16 within the Excel workbook.

Box 1: Local 2001-04 target and any intermediate milestone targets

See table 16.

Box 2: Progress to date

The Island’s Quality Assurance Scheme “Flying High for Early Years” has been successfully rolled out to all practitioners offering early education and care for three and four year olds. At January 2002 (last plan) 18% of settings had undertaken this accreditation. By April 2003, there should be at least 28% of settings that have achieved this accreditation. Our expectation is that we will achieve 30% of providers by March 2003. We are therefore still on target to reach 40%by March 2004.

As part of our philosophy of inclusion across all foundation providers, schools are also counted within these figures. For the purposes of the table schools are classed as full day care providers.

The Island’s scheme is presently under review by a working party of practitioners and advisors. The revised scheme will incorporate guidance together with 10 criteria identified by Investors in Children (IIC), and will be more ‘user friendly’ in layout, identify a clear evidence base for judgements and be more developmental in outcome.

For the Childminding Networks (1 approved), the first Network is due for Re-approval in April 2003, and the second Network is due for Approval in April 2003. They will both be assessed in March 2003.

With regard to the “Aiming High” Kid’s Club Network Accreditation scheme, Island practitioners have identified that even with financial support, it is very expensive. Some groups did apply for NOF funding towards these costs, and groups are encouraged to apply for accreditation. Development workers/mentors will support out of school providers to apply QA principles in their practice. It was decided by the EYDC Partnership to develop our own local quality assurance scheme, which has been specifically adapted for out of school settings. At the time of writing the documentation is now complete but requires approval from the Partnership Executive. Following this, the Partnership will seek endorsement from Investors in Children. This has meant some delay in raising the percentage having gained an accreditation for this group of practitioners.

Overall, this activity has meant that, whilst successful with “Flying High”, yet not so successful with Aiming High”, we are still on course to achieve the national target.

Box 3: Key priorities and actions for 2003-04

“Flying High” is to be promoted through the newsletter, and continuing Governors, Pre-School Managers and Practitioners specific Foundation Stage training. Advice, support and training, by the Foundation Stage Advisory Teacher and the PLA Development Workers, will be offered to those wishing to undertake the scheme, through the professional Cluster groups. In addition, the Memorandum of Understanding with the Early Excellence Centre identifies opportunities for training in the QA scheme. The revised scheme will be available in April 2003, having been endorsed by IIC. We believe that we are in line to meet our target.

With “Aiming High” it is hoped to fund practitioners themselves in supporting and mentoring others seeking to gain accreditation. It is hoped to attract 10% of these settings into using the scheme by December 2003.

A new activity has been identified. There is an urgent requirement to review and develop the Island’s Early Year’s Policy so that it reflects revised Standards and provides an example of best practice to practitioners.

Box 4: If applicable, proposed revised strategic target

See table 16

DfES Strategic Goal 5/Target 17: To ensure that 94% of early years settings, inspected by Ofsted, are making satisfactory or better progress in delivering the Early Learning Goals, by September 2004.

We shall obtain information direct from OFSTED to ascertain progress on this goal/target. Your plan should focus on action you have taken and will take to help weaker settings and new settings deliver the Early Learning Goals.

Box 1: Local 2001-04 goal/target and any intermediate milestone targets

Box 2: Progress to date

Progress on Early Learning Goals

At September 2001, 100% of all existing Pre-school settings had achieved a 2-4 year outcome from OFSTED nursery education inspections. Although no combined inspections (care and education) were undertaken during 2002-03 (at the time of writing), we continue to support all funded settings to make good progress towards delivering the Early Learning Goals and to enable newly registered groups to provide appropriate early education.

At the same time Island schools were judged to be working towards the appropriate implementation of the Early Learning Goals.

Since September 2002, 2 schools have been judged not to have met appropriate OFSTED standards in early year’s provision.

Where, through visits, OFSTED inspections, complaints, parental concerns or setting changes in staffing, areas for development are identified, a comprehensive action plan is drawn up and agreed with the registered person or Headteacher with a time scale for action. This is followed up by the Curriculum/Quality and Training team.

Also, links are made with Area SENCOs who monitor the settings in relation to the provision for children with special needs.

Partnership Planning meetings explore key themes and quality assurance messages are agreed.

Encourage and support local providers to exceed the minimum standards required for registration by the provision of Pre and Post inspection information/advice and support in relation to meeting and implementing the National Standards, inclusive of:

Provision of up-to-date information and guidance on statutory responsibilities & legislative requirements relating to the National Standards, inclusive of amended OFSTED and CRB processes.

Provision of an initial first contact/help line.

Monitoring of ongoing issues/concerns.

Dissemination of information and focused training which encourages links and mutual support between different forms of day-care and education at cluster group meetings.

Provision of Pre-registration evening for prospective Childminders outlining OFSTED requirements, grant information, course contents and available support. This is closely followed by the ‘Information in Childminding Practice’ Course.

Initial pre-registration support visit and availability of continual advice and support when needed for all categories of prospective and new providers;

· Raising awareness of registration requirements.

· Ongoing support to maintain continual interest.

· Information, advice and guidance on National Standards and local legislative issues.

· Advice on aims and objectives, legal status/management structure & children’s services

· Supporting potential providers to complete applications/CRB checks.

· Supporting providers between application and registration.

· Working with and signposting to external agencies for additional advice and support.

Tracking and monitoring application/registration process for Childminders.

Liaison between the Providers and OFSTED with relation to troubleshooting administrative problems.

Guidance on provision of available training course, grant availability and development of services, with signposting to appropriate departments within local authority and Early Years Directorate, including courses for Committee/Management groups.

Provision of support and advice regarding child protection issues; complaints and general concerns for all childcare providers, parents and carers.

Dissemination of specifications required under the new Governments Homecarer scheme via personal contact with the OFSTED Link officer, Early Years Newsletter and FIZ (CIS).

Liaison with and provision of a communication link between both internal and external agencies in relation to OFSTED and Partnership issues:

· Representation from EYDCP at S.E. OFSTED Regional meetings;

· Feedback to Early Years Partnership, through Early Years Co-ordinator/

Lead Officer and OFSTED Link Officer.

· Good Liaison with local Planning, Fire and Environmental Health

Departments.

· Networking with other Local Authorities

· Team work building between Development Manager, PLA Development workers, Foundation Key Stage adviser and CIS.

· Meetings with OFSTED Child Care Inspectors

Curriculum, Quality and Training Team enables a programme of developmental support/visits according to identified need:

OFSTED Link Officer – advisory work in relation to registration and inspection.

PLA Development workers – Quality Assurance - advice, support and guidance - monitor and review of Partnership ‘Kite Mark Scheme ‘Flying High for Early Years’

Foundation Key Stage Adviser – advice, guidance and support in delivering the Foundation Key Stage curriculum.

A coherent approach is undertaken to assess professional training needs and identify appropriate training packages, particularly for settings with areas needing development or improvement, which are then offered to the providers in our training programme.

Impact of support

Providers who have received actions/conditions outlined during transitional inspections undertaken by OFSTED have received individual support and advice from the CQ team. Action plans have been agreed, procedures outlined, continual support provided, resulting in actions being implemented.

PLA Workers continue to monitor and review performance to ensure settings maintain and if necessary improve on quality of provision.

The Childminding Networks continue to monitor and review performance with accredited childminders.

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Box 3: Key priorities and actions for 2003-04:

Increase in Childminders pre-registration briefing sessions required to maintain interest and increase target numbers.

Implementation of system for provision of orientation programme/pre-registration training/information for new Group/out of school providers.

Planning of a co-ordinated approach to monitoring and review of performance between inspections.

Incorrect information received from OFTED via FIZ (CIS). [clearer protocol/system required for Partnership to access information from FIZ (CIS)

Links have diminished with OFSTED representatives during the last few months as administrative processes have been changed; no representatives at Partnership and Pre-registration sessions. Re-establish and maintain links.

Update of Partnerships Quality Assurance System, monitoring and review procedures.

Review of systematic tracking system required for monitoring prospective child carers from ‘expression of interest’ through to registration /drop-out. (Out-of-school/group provision – review and up-date of current Childminders system)

Box 4: If applicable, proposed revised strategic target

DfES Strategic Target 19: To put in place a network of area SENCOs, with a target ratio of 1 area SENCO to 20 non-maintained settings delivering funded early education, by 2004.

Please complete Table 19 within the Excel workbook.

Box 1: Local 2001-04 target and any intermediate milestone targets

See table 19

Box 2: Progress to date

From a starting point of 61 settings with no SENCOs at March 2001, 3 SENCOs were employed by March 2002. These staff work with 62 settings so we have provided support for 1 SENCO to 21 settings.

The Childminding Network SENCO currently supports 24 members.

Box 3: Key priorities and actions for 2003-04

No further action has been identified. We aim to maintain the current ratio by ensuring the employment of 3 SENCOs. They are funded from SSA so there are no budget issues for these posts.

Box 4: If applicable, proposed revised strategic target

We are revising our target to 1 SENCO to 21 settings.

ISLE OF WIGHT

CONTENTS

Please complete Tables 2a and 2b within the Excel workbook

Impact of support