THE scheme that aims to boost the education and welfare of County Durham's youngsters has announced ambitious expansion plans.

County Durham Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership is looking to more than double the number of care places available for school-age children.

It will rise from 626 to 1,576 over the next two years, while the number of places for pre-school children will increase from 544 to 994.

The partnership also plans to provide new training for staff in the county's nursery schools and childcare and playwork facilities.

It will also pinpoint extra funding in areas with the greatest need, and set up an Early Years and Childcare Unit to ensure that its targets are met.

The partnership, which aims to develop the best services for children under 14, is led by Durham County Council. Its members include County Durham and Darlington Health Authority, businesses, nursery and childcare providers, and district councils.

It produced its plans after collecting and analysing information from 4,850 parents, 1,057 children, 1,000 employers, and 402 early years and childcare providers.

It also carried out consultation with people in 26 wards across the county.

The research showed that children preferred to be looked after by their parents and that more than half of all childcare is provided by family members or friends.

It also showed the majority of employers in County Durham do not have many "family-friendly" policies.

Lynne Henderson, Durham's programme coordinator for early years development, said: "The partnership we have forged will be the key in implementing the Childcare Plan. We have already achieved very positive results.

"Last week we discovered we were to receive a £188,100 grant from the Government's New Opportunities Fund. This will create 466 childcare places in Durham.

"But much more still needs to be done. The drive and determination of the various partners will help ensure County Durham delivers the best possible early years and childcare services.