THURROCK Council has launched a new service for nurseries, pre-schools and childminders to help them develop quality of care.

The council has contracted the National Day Nurseries Association, a UK-wide charity and membership association to deliver the new service.

Childcare providers will benefit from advice, information and support to help them ensure they offer childcare that meets the needs of local families.

Councillor Sue MacPherson, Thurrock’s cabinet member for Children’s Services, said:“We believe NDNA will bring a wealth of experience to nurseries, childminders and pre-schools across Thurrock.

“Many childcare settings are finding the current economic conditions highly challenging, but we are committed to helping them offer high quality services that are both financially viable and at the same time allowing parents to be confident their child is in good hands.”

Part of the new service will include access to a business development manager who will help the childcare organisation understand what Government legislation means for them, Thurrock’s plans for childcare, and the funding available.

In addition, the service will offer the opportunity for business health checks and to attend specialist business surgeries to help identify where sustainability could be strengthened.

The Childcare Act 2006 means Thurrock Council has a legal duty to ensure childcare across the area is affordable, sustainable and of a high quality.

Purnima Tanuku, Chief Executive of National Day Nurseries Association said: “Childcare providers will really benefit from the services we will offer under the contract, and we are very much looking forward to providing support.”