Save Our Sure Start campaign

UNISON is working with the Daycare Trust to save our Sure Start Children's Centres. Reductions in central government funding and the removal of the ring fence for Sure Start Centres are leading to cuts the services and the closure of some centres in 2011. We have also seen some councils transfer the services to the private and voluntary sector to try and save money.

Review of Qualifications for Early Years Workers

Following the recent publication of the review of the Early Years Foundation Stage EYFS, the Department for Education (DfE) have announced a review of the qualifications and career pathways of early years workers. The review will be led by Professor Kathy Nutbrown from Sheffield University.

UNISON Education Bill response

"Education is a team game" said Christina McAnea, UNISON Head of Education and Childrens Services, in response to the new Education Bill.

Children's Services Update

(11/06/2010) Update on Recent Activities

Children’s Centres Newsletter UNISON has published a newsletter for children’s centre staff. The newsletter contains information on the UNISON ‘Shout Out for a Sure Start’ campaign as well an application form and news for children’s centre workers. The newsletter has been mailed directly to children’s centres in England.

Guidance on Single Funding Formula

(05/08/2009)The Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) has recently issued guidance on the implementation of a ‘Single Funding Formula’ for early years education in England and is currently also consulting over the extension of the offer of free early years education for three and four year olds. A UNISON circular providing information on this can be downloaded from below.