A PARTNERSHIP set up to pioneer early years education in York is seeking an independent chairperson to lead the initiative.

As revealed in the Evening Press, both City of York Council and North Yorkshire County Council have pledged to meet the Government's demand that every four-year-old will have access to a free nursery place by September.

Education Secretary David Blunkett has told all local education authorities in the country to produce detailed proposals outlining how they will fulfil Labour's commitment.

It wants them to come up with 'early years partnerships' involving representatives of the private and voluntary sectors, parents and area health authorities.

City of York Council has already established a partnership to help deliver its planned provision for tots.

York's partnership will ensure the city's 2,000 four-year-olds will have access to places in a variety of public and private settings.

Now the partnership is seeking nominations for a voluntary chair to lead the initiative and shape the future for children in York.

Jo Armistead, early years co-ordinator for the City of York Council, said she was hopeful the post would attract interest from members of the business and academic communities in the city "who have a vision for the future of early years services".

"There will be regular meetings of the partnership as it continues to develop early years services following Government guidance and review the plan each year," she said.

Further details about the role of the chair are available from Ken Exton, acting chair of the partnership.

Nominations should be submitted in writing to Mr Exton, early years development partnership, children's services, Ashbank, 1 Shipton Road, York Y03 6RE.

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