Improving quality

There is a proven track record of effective partnership working between the Early Years & Childcare Service and schools, Children’s Centres and the providers that operate throughout the City of Southampton. Working collaboratively, the service has been instrumental in raising the quality of provision and improving outcomes for all children.

The Early Years and Childcare Service, which is part of the wider Education Service, supports the development of sufficient good quality, affordable and flexible provision for young children within Southampton, as identified within Southampton’s ‘Childcare Sufficiency Assessment’.

The service also delivers a wide range of continuous development opportunities for early years and childcare providers linked to individual providers’ needs, local and national initiatives and other identified areas for development. Up to date information on provision across the city is maintained, and the service is able to act as brokers for parents looking for childcare and support.

There is a focus across the wider Early Years and Childcare team in helping settings to retain staff and to support and advise on recruitment at all stages. We have a range of resources and strategies for settings across the sector to benefit. Find out how we can help with recruitment and retention.