Funding Early Support training

The Department for Children, Schools and Families has recently written to all Directors of Children’s Services and Local Authority Chief Executives about the use of central government funding for children under five. The letter identifies ‘comprehensive training for staff in working with children with Special Educational Needs and disabilities (using Early Support as the Government’s recommended approach for young disabled children)’ as a core requirement (Annex B, section 8). Every local authority is required to have an early years workforce strategy as an integral part of their Children and Young People’s Plan.

The letter sets out guidance for using the new Sure Start, Early Years and Childcare Grant that will replace the General Sure Start Grant and Transformation Fund from April 2008. Click here to see the main text of the letter.

You can read the press announcement on the Sure Start website .