The decline in membership among playgroups and a growing recognition of the importance of under-threes and the role of parents had encouraged the association's new orientation, said chief executive Ian McLaughlan.
He said, 'The government has demonstrated an increased awareness of the huge potential for developing a learning framework for young children under three, while at the same time promoting the parent as the primary educator of pre-threes.'
At a time of considerable financial restraint, he said, the association needed to find different ways of funding new projects. He said efforts would be made to convince local authorities that through funding offered by the Changing Children's Services Fund and childcare partnerships, 'local community groups can make a difference in promoting active communities'.
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