CHILDCARE workers in Blackburn with Darwen are to get free support workshops to help parents to stay in the workplace.

The new initiative will see those who look after youngsters get help so they can carry on providing much-needed services.

The Government today said it was funding the move to providing enough child care services so families can benefit and not have to give up their jobs to look after youngsters.

It is the latest initiative to enable more parents to stay at work and still have adequate local childcare on hand in Blackburn.

Business advice will be available to registered childminders or staff at team-managed childcare centres to give guidance on how to sustain a childcare business.

The Business Success for Childcare Programme is a national initiative funded by the Government's Sure Start Unit.

Research shows that up to 40 per cent of the country's 100,000 childcare providers could benefit from participating in the programme.

The workshops will be run for all types of childcare providers, from a single person minding children within their home to managers and staff of larger childcare businesses.

Scheduled both inside and outside usual working hours, the workshops will be held in Blackburn and in other locations in the region over the next seven months.

The first workshop scheduled for Blackburn is on Monday November 17, at 9.30am to 12.30pm at Cross Hill E-Learning Centre, Shadsworth. Further workshops take place in December and January at the same venue.

Catherine Ashton, Minister for Sure Start, said: "I want every parent to be able to find good quality childcare, early learning and family support that they can afford and that suit their needs.

"This is essential if we are to ensure that every child gets a sure start in life. This will help provide business support to childcare providers so that they increase their skills and knowledge and improve services to benefit families in the areas where they most need it."

Childcare professionals are advised to register in advance by calling 0800 294 2904 when they can find out more about the programme, including the full workshop schedule. Information is also available at: www.surestart.gov.uk/support4business