The allocation is part of the NCMA's 1.4m grant for the year andwill enable it to run two days of free consultancy sessions for everylocal authority.
Director of operations Marian Pearson said, 'One of the things we'rekeen to do is share examples of best practice, for example for localauthorities wrestling with how to develop childminding networks ortraining.'
It will also help LAs to look at how childminders could fill gaps inchildcare provision.
The consultations will focus on four themes: helping families to accessthe childcare they need; improving outcomes for children by developing ahighly qualified home-based childcare workforce; narrowing the gap fordisadvantaged and vulnerable families by raising the quality and scopeof childminding practice; and promoting integrated working and childcareinitiatives.
The offer is open to all local authorities until 31 March. E-mailcharlotte.guy@ncma.org.uk.