Early years development and childcare partnerships (EYCDPs) in England: Policy and implementation

Abstract

This paper focuses on UK policy which has established a network of Early Years, Development and Childcare Partnerships (EYDCPs) consisting of providers and local authority representatives, to ensure the availability of pre-school provision within a city, district or local authority which meets the range of needs of parents and reflects quality in standards. Funding for 3 and four year old childcare/education is dependent on meeting government regulations for childcare and successful regular inspection of provision in terms of the government framework for the pre-school curriculum, Desirable Learning Outcomes, now revised as ‘Early Learning Goals’. It examines the role of these partnerships in providing accessible, affordable and high quality provision, and in the development of appropriate professional skills across a wide range of providers. The examination of the implementation of EYDCP partnerships indicates significant achievements, but some tensions between providers and concern that training to support unqualified practitioners, although essential to raise standards, may jeopardize the profession of early years graduate teachers.