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3. Early
Years Childcare Development Partnerships (EYCDPs)
It is increasingly apparent
that the government see the EYCDPs as crucial strategic groups for rolling
out their early years policies. 48 (54%) of the responding library authorities
were members of their EYCDP. Involvement in some cases was significant:
“Yes, I am chair …
This places books and libraries in a prominent position.“
Only one authority (Essex)
raised concerns about the effectiveness of their EYCDP. 4 respondents associated
non-membership with a failure of the EYCDP to recognise the relevance of the
libraries:
“It was decided by
the partnership that libraries were not relevant” (Staffordshire)
Other authorities indicated
that the Early Years Advocacy Pack had given them a new awareness of the significance
of EYCDPs and new strategies to gain membership.
“Hope
to use advocacy pack as a lever. Have not been involved in creation of existing
EYCDP – hope to change this”
(London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham)
The most common benefit
to libraries from membership of EYCDP was felt to be the opportunities created
by partnership working. In some places, such as Dorset, EYCDP membership had
enabled early participation in Sure Start.
12 authorities talked
of directly benefiting from resources accessed through their EYCDP
- “Funding
for browser boxes for 19 clinics and Reading Carnival”
(North Yorkshire)
- “Funding
for a Bookstart post. Refurbishment of 9 meeting rooms in libraries where
Early Years training is held …
(West Sussex)
- “Part
funding for “Books Can Help” booklet on situation picture books”
(Wolverhampton)
The most frequently noted
library contribution to an EYCDP was in supporting information provision. 19
library authorities were contributing to their partnerships in this way. Frequently
this was by membership of the information subgroup. Some library authorities
(Solihull and Southampton for example) manage the EYCDP’s Children’s Information
Service.
Libraries are also offering
support to their EYCDPs through training other providers in issues around children’s
reading and books (4 authorities). In West Sussex the library’s role as an
agent of social inclusion means that the Head of Children’s Library Services
chairs the EYDCP’s inclusion subgroup.
Librarians are becoming
members of their EYCDPs as a result of their skills in information management,
literacy development and in supporting inclusion. The benefits to many authorities
are significant both in terms of accessing funding
streams and in the development of strategic partnerships.
4.
Bookstart 
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