Southside Partnership / Current Programmes
Childcare Network
Childcare Network
Southside Childcare Action Network SCAN
History and Development of Southside Childcare Network
The Southside Childcare Network serves to promote and implement a strategy for childcare within the Southside Partnership area. The network represents a group of statutory, voluntary and community interests in the greater Dun Laoghaire Rathdown area who have been working together since 1997 to promote and implement a framework for community based childcare in the Southside Partnership area.
1A Network StructureThe Network meets on a monthly basis and has an elected committee structure. It also operates through a sub-committee structure with sub groups working on specific areas of the Network's strategy.
1B Membership
The Network is a dynamic group, which comprises representation from the voluntary, statutory and community sector, as well as specific target groups including members of the travelling community and refugee/asylum seekers within the area. While membership is consistent there is an open policy in relation to new members as the group continues to increase capacity and develop structures.
1. Network Mission Statement and Key Principles/values
Mission Statement:
"To initiate and support the development of a high quality, integrated
childcare strategy, through a community based network, responding
to the needs of children and families in the Southside Partnership area".
(a) Promoting the right for high quality early year education/support services to parents and children
(b) Promoting the development of quality childcare
(c) Ensuring a child centred approach to community based childcare services
(d) Supporting a holistic and developmental approach to working with children
(e) Supporting the development of affordable and accessible community childcare centres
(f) Ensuring the rights and needs of children (0-18 years)
(g) Promoting integration in relation to access to services
(h) Supporting a non-judgemental approach with a commitment to promoting equality of opportunities and breaking the cycle of poverty
(i) Promoting a commitment to "best practice"
(j) Supporting childcare in relation to education/training, personal development and employment opportunities.
The network, has a clear focus on the development and support of quality childcare services at community level and also on
promotion of social inclusion objectives through the increased provision of quality, affordable, community childcare provision targeted specifically at those most disadvantaged.
a. Through the projects it has initiated and supported, the Childcare Network has enabled the increased participation and re-entry of many women (in particular young single mothers, early school leavers, those at risk of substance abuse) into education, training and employment.
b. Through the projects it has initiated and supported, the Childcare Network has enabled the increased participation and re-entry of many women (in particular young single mothers early school leavers, those at risk of substance abuse) into education, training and employment.
c. With the establishment of the County Childcare Committee the Childcare network sees itself uniquely placed to act as an advocate for these particular target groups and communities.
d. Since June '03, the Childcare Development Worker post is funded by the DunLaoghaire Rathdown County Childcare Committee. The Coordinator of DLRCCC is a member of the steering group which supports and directs the work carried out. We welcome this close working relationship.
SCAN Strategies
• To provide support to the SCAN Network
• To implement the recommendations within "Towards a Model of Best Practice"
• To provide information on Childcare services.
• To link with DL/R County childcare Committee, HSE, and VEC to provide training as requested by SCAN members
• To work with the Childcare Task Group in the RAPID area
• To work with the Childcare Task Group within STAG
• To pass on information regarding National Policy on Childcare.
