Commentary on Sections and Schedules Part 1:  General Functions of Local Authority: England Section 13: Duty to provide information, advice and training to childcare providers
55.Section 13 replaces (for England) the duty on local authorities under section 79V of the Children Act 1989 which requires local authorities to provide information and advice on day care and childminding. Under subsection (1) of section 13, local authorities are placed under a duty to provide information, advice and training to childcare providers who are registered under the new system, persons who provide childcare in certain schools (whether registered or not) and those who assist in the provision of registered care or care in schools or who intend to provide such care. Local authorities must discharge this duty in accordance with regulations.
56.The section also gives local authorities power to provide other information, advice and training to such providers and to provide information, advice and training to other persons who do not fall within the categories specified in subsection (1) but who provide or intend to provide childcare.
57.Local authorities are able to levy reasonable charges for providing support under this section. In carrying out their functions under the section, local authorities must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.