Early Years and Childcare: Local Authority Developing Practice - Improving workforce diversity and supporting skill development

These case studies explore different approaches to extend the reach and take up of good quality childcare with hard-to-reach groups. 

The BME Project aims to extend the reach and take up of good quality childcare and early years' provision among Black and Minority Ethnic Families (BME). The work is focused on improving communication and engagement, supporting employment, extending the reach of the 3 and 4-year-old flexible offer, and adapting the supply of provision through offering flexible hours, workforce diversity and improved skills.

Six local authorities in different parts of the country are participating. The project aims to help participating authorities move from specific examples of good practice to a more strategic approach.

To help you select the case study most appropriate to your needs, we have provided brief details of the contents here:

Manchester Childminding Initiative
The planning and impact of an event to promote childminding within the Chinese Community in Central and East Manchester, Planned due to the large Chinese population, the feedback from local community groups was that there was a preference within the community for 'home based' childcare.

Contact: Chris McLoughlin 0161 274 6376

Rotherham - The Men Who Dare&Childcare!
A project which aims to support men in accessing a career in childcare by offering training, work placements, a mentoring scheme, criminal records checks and funding, as well as professional development for men already working in childcare. To date, the project has worked with 400 men interested in a career in childcare with 34 going onto training or employment.

Contact: Paula Williams 01709 822549

Camden - First Steps
A training programme designed to help ensure the childcare workforce is representative of the community it serves in order to encourage BME groups to take up childcare. It shows how an integrated service, to support unemployed adults aged 25 - 49 to access ESOL and childcare training, can lead onto further training and employment opportunities.

Contact: Tom McCall 020 7974 4370