Broad vote for training body

Representatives of a range of early years associations voted unanimously in support of a dedicated Sector Skills Council for children and young people at the Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education (CACHE) annual general meeting in London last week. CACHE chief executive Richard Dorrance suggested that those present should write to Catherine Ashton, the minister for Sure Start, early years and childcare, to register their support for a strategic body to oversee training in the early years and related sectors. Eric Hardy, CACHE chair, said this would give the minister 'ammunition' in talks about the best way forward.