News

Charles Clarke

The numerous Sure Start funding streams are being merged into one allocation for childcare in order to give councils greater flexibility, Charles Clarke announced today, writes Amy Taylor in Newcastle.

The education secretary said that developing under-fives education should be a priority for society.

When asked to "square" the issue of whether someone from education or social services was more appropriate to fill the new director of children’s services role, Clarke said that either could fill the position and that someone from outside the sectors could also be appointed.

"I don’t think there is any exclusivity of either education or social services," he said.

Alison King, chair of the children and young people's board at the Local Government Association, said that she was pleased by Clarke’s comments. She added that she was angered when people talked of "take over" by education in the role as it was open to anyone who met the criteria required.