We are an independent provider of training, research and consultancy for everyone working with children, young people and families, with a specialism in the early years, childcare, extended services and children's centres sector.  Since 1999, we have worked with local,
regional and central government including 3 Government Offices, over 63 local authorities (16 London boroughs), 40 sure start local programmes and children's centres, and a range of Children's Fund projects, Learning and Skills Councils, colleges, voluntary organisations and major private companies.

Our bespoke continuous professional development training includes all aspects of best practice, away day facilitation and team building.  As researchers and consultants we are able to bring a fresh and informed approach to strategy development, reviews, problem solving and special projects working within an anti-discriminatory framework.



Free childcare for families to get back in to work
Low-income families are to be given free childcare so they can go to training courses and get back in to work.  The £75m three-year programme, announced by the Department for Children...continued...

Quality of pre-school affects outcomes at 11
Going to a good pre-school helps improve children's outcomes in English and maths by the time they are 11, new research has found. continued...

Decline in number of childminders 
There has been a fall in the number of registered childminders in England as they have faced increasing regulation continued...

Hughes announces cash for childcare
Children's minister Beverley Hughes has announced a package of £819million to be handed to early years services over the next three years continued...

A leading think tank has called for a network of Sure Start style centres for five- to 12- year-olds to combat youth crime.
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has found that most prolific criminals start offending between the ages of 10 and 13. continued...