The State's first county childcare committee has been established in Galway to develop a co-ordinated and long-term strategy for such services in the area.
The Galway City and County Childcare Strategy Group has been formed in line with the recommendations of the National Expert Working Group on Childcare, set up under Partnership 2000.
The county committee will assist in developing a range of integrated, high quality, accessible and affordable care and educational initiatives for children ranging from newborn to 12 years of age.
A review of existing childcare provision and support for the services are two of the committee's main priorities. It will also identify gaps in service provision, plan future development and address the cultural and linguistic distinctiveness of all communities in Galway.
The committee will provide information on new and existing services, and on training, resources and funding for them.
A team has been appointed to provide the service, and the committee will be managed and funded by a strategy group, comprising the Western Health Board, the Partnership boards, the Vocational Education Committee, FAS, the local authorities, the Galway Enterprise Board, Gaeltacht agencies and other agencies with an interest in childcare. Additional finance will be provided by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
The Galway City and County Childcare Strategy Group can be contacted at 9a Liosban Retail Centre, Tuam Road, Galway, tel (091)752039 or email: mail@galwaychildcare.com
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