Rural Childcare Development Project

Are you a childcare provider based in a rural area?

Thinking of starting or extending a rural pre-school, playgroup or parent and toddler group?

Does your current childcare setting have any sustainability issues?

How will rural schools become extended schools?

How about a breakfast club and after school childcare?

Forging links with other childcare providers?

Need support with a constitution, staff, volunteers, management committee?

Funded and working in partnership with West Sussex Early Childhood Services team, the project is looking at new ways of tackling some of the main hurdles facing rural childcare. Childcare in rural areas can be a crucial part of a thriving community and this project involves the development of new childcare provision as well as support in sustaining current provision across rural West Sussex. Some of the key issues are finding funding, finding and keeping volunteers, sustaining uptake, rural transport and finding a suitable affordable venue. We are particularly interested in supporting childcare providers and village hall committees who work together to offer services for children in their communities. Also where childcare and childcare providers are involved in Local Action Plans

For more information and support please contact :

Caroline Rix
Rural Childcare Development Officer
Tel: 01273 478709
Email: caroline.rix@ruralsussex.org.uk

Useful links:

Sure Start – www.surestart.gov.uk
Children’s Information Service – www.childcarelink.gov.uk