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NEWS RELEASE

7 May 2008

Pre-school Learning Alliance welcomes funding for Family Pathfinder programme

Commenting on the funding of £16 million announced by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCFS) for Family Pathfinder programme through which fifteen local areas will offer disadvantaged families intensive support, Steve Alexander, Chief Executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance said,

"We warmly welcome this much-needed investment which has real transforming potential. Alliance member settings have long been supporting children and their families in areas of disadvantage through childcare services and family learning programmes. We are therefore acutely aware of the complex, and often interlocking, issues families face, and the long term benefits of intervening early and supporting the whole family. From our experience, the Alliance understands how important it is that local authority departments, tasked with supporting vulnerable adults and children, work cohesively to support their complex needs and Pathfinders have proved successful in generalizing support across England. The growing inequality gap highlights the case for additional and targeted support to be directed to those greatest in need, alongside the support for universal early education provided by the government. Investment in the early years produces long-term favourable outcomes for children and families. The voluntary sector is well placed to use its network and knowledge of the most disadvantaged communities to work in partnership with Local Authorities and the Alliance looks forward to working with local authority partners to help ensure this funding is harnessed for the greatest benefit of children and families. "

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Kate Summerside
Pre-school Learning Alliance
T: 020 7697 2502
Out of hours press calls: 07956 499621
E: Kate Summerside

Notes for Editors:

  1. Link to details of the 15 local pilot areas that will participate in the £15m ‘Family Pathfinder' http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/social_exclusion_task_force/news/2008/080504_15_local_areas.aspx
  2. The Pre-school Learning Alliance is the largest voluntary sector provider of quality affordable childcare and education in England.
  3. Through direct provision and its membership of 15,000 nurseries, sessional pre-schools and parent and toddler groups, the Alliance supports over 800,000 children and their families in England. The Alliance also develops and runs family learning programmes, offers information and advice, runs acclaimed training and accreditation programmes and campaigns to influence early years policy and practice.
  4. For information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website: www.pre-school.org.uk
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