- DREAMING 4 REAL -

The main theme of the children’s consultation process was to extract information from children on what they think is important about their everyday environment, the services they would like to use and to discover possible barriers to accessing those services. The approach also sought to try out new ideas to engage children as well as create a ‘legacy’ project in terms of an ongoing on-line resource.
We were also interested in what children consider would constitute their ideal childcare setting and are hoping that more in depth projects would be identified and developed from this process. We envisage that specific projects could be funded that would combat barriers highlighted. Possible funding could be attracted from a variety of sources particularly the Local Network Fund.

This website has been produced as a resource for other agencies and authorities and to record:

•	The purpose and main aims of the consultation process.
•	Actions that occurred.
•	Key findings.
•	Identification of specific projects.
•	Contact details, officers to contact and web-site address.
•	Information about departments agencies involved.
•	Inter-agency Partnership work

Project development management group: Jackie Cockcroft, Edward Harris, Kevin Ryan, Carol Morton, Marie Riley, Sandie Wrzyszc
Project delivery and production group: Frances Ryan, Paul Gent, Steve Henderson, Sean Clark, Stacy Prendeville , Rachel Nuttall, Jagdeep Ryatt, Kevin Ryan, Zoe Childerly, Natalie Butler, Phil Holmes, Alison Moore.
Thanks to the staff and pupils of: Cobden, Rendell, and Shelthorpe Schools in Loughborough, Eastfield School in Thurmaston, Wymeswold County Primary and Hall Orchard School, Barrow Upon Soar.
Thanks to the staff of Charnwood Museum, Loughborough, and Birstall Library, and to all the participants in both of these independent workshop programmes.
Dreaming For Real was devised collaboratively through Charnwood Arts and the Leicestershire County Council Children's Information Service.
A series of thirty-five workshops took place between 14th January and 2nd March 2002.

LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL (LCC)
As part of the Government’s National Childcare Strategy the Local Authority has formed an Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) and has funded the Early Years and Childcare Service, District Forum Development Workers, Community Outreach Workers and Mentor Teachers. (For more information on the individual services see opposite). The LCC has also secured European Social Fund monies for childcare training and grants for childminders. These are administered by the Early Years and Childcare Service. The Nursery Education Grant for 3 and 4 year olds is held by the Local Authority and is also administered by the Early Years and Childcare Service, with support from the Finance Unit and the Statistics Department based at County Hall.

LEICESTERSHIRE EARLY YEARS DEVELOPMENT AND CHILDCARE PARTNERSHIP (EYDCP)
The EYDCP is an advisory body to Leicesershire County Council. Together they develop three yearly Strategic and Implementation Plans on all aspects of early education and childcare for the benefit of Leicestershire’s children and families. This is done in consultation with a variety of agencies, both statutory and voluntary, who have children as their focus. The provision of affordable, flexible, quality and accessible childcare is a key challenge.
For more information telephone the Partnership Development Officer on 0116 265 8039

LEICSTERSHIRE EARLY YEARS AND CHILDCARE SERVICE (EYCC)
The Early Years and Childcare Service works with others to deliver the targets within the EYDC Implementation Plan. There are four teams:

LEICESTERSHIRE CHILDREN’S INFORMATION SERVICE (CIS)
The Leicestershire CIS provides parents/carers and guardians with confidential, up-to-date, impartial information and guidance on a wide range of issues covering childcare and children aged 0-14 (aged up to 16 if the child or young person has additional needs). For more information telephone the CIS help-line on 0116 265 6545. or e-mail: childcare@leics.gov.uk

THE CHILDCARE DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT TEAM
This team works towards the development of all types of new childcare provision and the recruitment and retention of the childcare workforce. It also provides pre and post registration advice and support to all childcare providers. It aims to ensure that the workforce can access qualifications and training to deliver quality provision.
For more information telephone the Deputy Service Manager on 0116 265 6594

THE FINANCE AND BUSINESS SUPPORT TEAM
This team gives advice and support to childcarers regarding the planning and marketing of their business. It also aims to help providers access available funding streams to ensure their provision remains viable.
For more information telephone the Finance, Grants and Contracts Manager on 0116 265 8041

THE DISTRICT FORUM DEVELOPMENT WORKERS
They are based in the Community Voluntary Services. Their role is to support providers, parents and families at a local level. Their input regarding the gaps in childcare and their local knowledge is pivotal to the county’s childcare development, which informs the EYDC Implementation Plan. They are also responsible for creating a District Forum, at which views and issues regarding childcare can be discussed. A representative from the District Forum attends the EYDCP.
For more information telephone the District Forum
Co-ordinator on 0116 229 3019

COMMUNITY OUTREACH WORKERS
These workers support and advise those communities, families and individuals who are deemed ‘hard to reach’ about all aspects of childcare. ‘Hard to reach’ is defined as rural isolation, community isolation (ethnic, additional needs, travellers and asylum seekers) and those who do not access any public services. They form part of District Forums and sit on various sub-groups of the EYDCP so issues relating to the above groups of people can be addressed at meetings and within the EYDC Implementation Plan.
For more information telephone the Deputy Service Manager on 0116 265 6594

LIBRARIES
Libraries play a vital part at the heart of the community. They enhance quality of life and provide opportunity for the people of Leicestershire. The library service offers access to an extensive collection of materials and range of services to meet educational, recreational, cultural and information needs.

THE LOCAL NETWORK FUND
(formerly ‘The Children’s Fund’)
The Local Network Fund is available to fund projects with voluntary and community groups working with young people between 0-19 years in Leicestershire and the City of Leicester. Grants are available up to £7,000.
Help with applications can be obtained from Carol Morton on 07989 203242

CHARNWOOD ARTS
Charnwood Arts is a community arts and media organisation based in Loughborough serving Charnwood and connected to projects regionally, nationally and worldwide. Our current main areas of work are the development of consultation and community development through the arts, outdoor events, youth and children’s arts projects, web based projects and services, video and photography work, exhibitions, literature projects and publications. It is a registered charity core funded through East Midlands Arts and Charnwood Borough Council.
Tel: 01509 822558
e-mail: info@charnwood-arts.org.uk
Web: www.charnwood-arts.org.uk