Commentary on Sections and Schedules Part 1:  General Functions of Local Authority: England Section 2:  Meaning of “early childhood services” for purposes of
section 3
26.Section 2 defines “early childhood services” for the purposes of section 3. These are the services central to the improvement of outcomes for young children. They are:
	early years provision, i.e. integrated early education and childcare;
	social services relating to young children and their parents, for example, supervised contact and early intervention for families identified as needing support;
	health services relevant to young children and their parents, for example, health visitors, ante-natal and post-natal care;
	services provided under section 2 of the Employment and Training Act 1973, assisting or encouraging parents (and prospective parents) to obtain or retain employment, as delivered through Jobcentre Plus (such services are included because providing support for parents entering work is a key way of enhancing children’s economic well-being);
	information services for parents as described under section 12.
27.Section 2 also defines a “parent” and a “prospective parent.”