* A new childcare strategy, published this week, aims to tackle parental concerns about patchy availability of services in Wales. Councils will be legally required to ensure sufficient local places and provide information for parents, using Assembly government and European Union funding. The strategy links to other early-years initiatives, including the new foundation phase for three to seven-year-olds, and to on-going work on a national strategy for play in Wales.
* karen.thornton@tes.co.uk
