A new Internet service is now available that aims to deal with the development of young people in North Yorkshire.

The North Yorkshire Children's Information Service web site, which has been developed by the education service, is one of the first in the country designed specifically for a large rural county.

The web site will hold information about day nurseries, pre-schools, playgroups, creches, out of school clubs and holiday schemes, all of which will be broken down area by area.

"There is lots of information on financial matters and benefits," said Clare Glass, spokesperson for Roundabout Play Projects who feature on the site.

"The site also features useful information about training and child care. It's a tremendous idea to have so long as people are able to access it," said Ms Glass.

People who do not own their own personal computer can access the site through libraries across the county. A help line has also been set up in case anybody has any difficulties using the site, and this is available on 0845 6011630.

Information aimed at parents deals with childcare up to the age of 14, early years education for four-year-olds, services for children with special needs and services offered by the local education authority.

Details about how to set up as a child care provider and on training opportunities also feature.

Parents will benefit from using the web site to find child care or early education places in their area as well as being able to learn about the North Yorkshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership and the Early Years Plan.

A number of organisations, such as schools, childcare providers, health authorities, community groups, employers, parents and North Yorkshire County Council's (NYCC) education service and social services personnel have come together to form the Partnership.

Cynthia Welbourn, director of education for NYCC said:

"The North Yorkshire Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership is an exciting project designed to bring together a range of personal and professional experience which will be of tremendous benefit to young people and their families in the county.

"By providing this Internet site the county council's education and library service is giving parents and others instant access to a very worthwhile scheme."

The web site address is: www.northyorks.gov.uk/cis.

See Education section

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