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Business development

Business Development

The government recently published its ten-year action plan for the early years, signalling very clearly what the priorities of the sector will be over the coming decade.

Settings will be expected to engage more effectively with families on low incomes and with disabled children. Early years education sessions for three and four year olds must be longer (15 hours by 2010) and flexible. Where pre-schools and schools are co-sited, they can expect joint inspections. The extended schools initiative is here for the long-term all primary and secondary schools will provide access to extended services. The number of Sure Start children's centres will grow to 3500. There will be major changes in staffing there will be an early years professional in every full daycare setting and a focus on increasing the skills level of other staff. Childcare services will be integrated with other services, such as health and employment and family and parenting support. The early years foundation stage will have a profound impact on the day to day running of settings for example, on curriculum and staffing ratios and will help providers to work together more easily. Free, universal early years education for two year olds is coming closer a pilot of 12,000 children in disadvantaged areas started in April 2006. Finally, there is a focus on getting parents involved.

It is within this context that, at the end of 2005, the Business Development team was established. The aims of the department include:

• Co-ordinating the operation of the Alliance's direct service provision including children's centres, where the charity provides both childcare and overall centre management.
• Developing new business opportunities for the Alliance.
• Contributing to the strategic and policy direction of the organisation.
• Supporting member pre-schools in developing their services.
• Working with divisional staff to maximise Alliance activity on the ground.

The department offers a range of specialist business advice, training and information to support early years professionals. It also works to improve and promote good business practice and develops innovative ways of supporting the sustainability of settings through new initiatives and by exploring opportunities for funding.

It leads the charity's work on extended schools and is at the forefront of investigating new ways of engaging parents in pre-schools.

Pre-schools and Extended Schools

Sections 27 & 28 of the Education Act 2002 gave school governors the power to set up and run childcare facilities from within school premises, providing schools with the opportunity to implement a joined up approach to local services for local people. This offers a huge opportunity for pre-schools and schools alike to enjoy the benefits of partnership in the community.

Whereas children's centres are designed to provide a core set of services primarily for the 0-5 age group and their parents, an extended school will provide a wider range of services for children of all ages, their families and other members of the local communities. The only service it has been confirmed that schools will be expected to provide at this stage is a guarantee of affordable childcare in secondary schools from 8am-6pm all year round by 2010 (Choice for Parents, the best start for children: a ten year strategy for childcare, 2004). However, it is anticipated that in time further demands will be made on schools to further the government's aim that 'all schools should be extended schools'. Pre-schools have the potential to play a key role in the development of extended schools.

Many pre-schools already operate from a school site, renting school premises to offer an independent service. The new opportunities for partnership working have many benefits for pre-schools and schools including:

• Offering 'seamless education' for children between pre-school and reception class.
• Helping parents with different aged children to be able to have 'just the one' school run.
• Opportunities to provide wraparound services such as a breakfast, lunch, or after-school clubs.
• On-site childcare for teachers and other staff.

The Pre-school Learning Alliance is working with pre-schools and schools to establish mutually beneficial partnerships. The Business Development team is able to offer general advice and information on this initiative. From this site you can download further factsheets about establishing childcare in extended schools.

We always welcome examples of best practice or particular problems from pre-schools already working with schools to share with other members. You can contact the team at the address below.

Business Development
The Fitzpatrick Building
188 York Way
London
N7 9AD
Email: Business Development

Expansion

The Pre-school Learning Alliance has a long history of supporting pre-schools through expansion and change. Experienced local development workers provide expertise and support in settings, whilst the nationally-run Expansion project (2002 2006) produced resources and training which facilitated the creation of around 38,000 new places. Some of the resources are available on this page.

To survive and flourish, we advise pre-schools to regularly research the needs of current and potential users. As a result of such market research, pre-schools may decide to open for a few extra hours a week with a breakfast or lunch club, or embark on more major plans by expanding onto bigger premises or offering full daycare.