Barnsley Early Years and Childcare Development Partnership took a strategic decision to merge with the Children'sTrust to maximise the opportunities to deliver quality integrated services for families and children.

The Childrens Trust brings together childrens social services, education and health services into a single local structure designed around the needs of children, young people and their families. The aim of the Trust is to create a safe, supportive and healthy environment that values children, young people and their families and creates opportunities for all to grow and develop. The Trust will build upon the excellent partnerships arrangements that have been put in place by Barnsley Choices. It will plan and commission services for all children and young people, including those most vulnerable and in need of protection. It will also be responsible for the delivery of key services for children within the Barnsley.

Vision
Our vision is of a high quality, sustainable, diverse and accessible Early Years and Childcare sector.

Mission
Our mission is to ensure a continually improving and appropriate Early Years and Childcare sector.

We embrace the opportunity to contribute to a successful community by increasing attainment and improving access to employment and training.

Principles for Developing Early Years and Childcare Policy
We will endeavour to develop policy that;

• Is needs led.
• Continually evaluates effectiveness.
• Recognises the ever changing need of families.
• Promotes partnership working with parents (encourages confident parents who take ownership of the education and care of children).
• Encourages empowerment of service users (parents, children and practitioners).
• Supports and encourages children to be happy, healthy, thriving, creative, aspirational, articulate and motivated.
• Raises aspirations.
• Supports informed choice for parents.
• Supports individuals, settings and sectors to reach their full potential.
• Ensures linkage to related initiatives and strategies for maximum impact.