Calls for uniform LEC care policies

T he Scottish Executive has been urged to clarify the strategic role of Local Enterprise Companies (LECs) in supporting childcare provision. There are 22 LECS across Scotland, set up to encourage business development. Children in Scotland says there are many examples of good practice where childcare partnerships and LECs have worked closely, but 'the lack of defined budgets and associated targets creates difficulties for some LECs, leading to differing approaches across Scotland'. The charity's report, The Role of Local Enterprise Companies in Rural Childcare, calls for a national LEC childcare policy.