SPONSORED PLACES - THE USE OF INDEPENDENT DAY-CARE SERVICES TO SUPPORT CHILDREN IN NEED

The implementation of the Children Act 1989, with its emphasis on fami ly support through the provision of non-stigmatizing local services an d on local authorities working in partnership with voluntary and priva te service providers, has given a new focus to the use of independent day-care services to support children in need and their families. This article uses data from research in England and Wales on the implement ation of the Children Act as it affects early years services, to consi der the extent of sponsored day-care, the circumstances in which it is used, and the issues it raises for local authorities, independent day -care providers and the children themselves.