CHILDCARE services have been given a further big boost with news of an extra £77,000 of Euro funding coming to the borough.

The European Social Fund grant, which is being match funded by Bury Council's Early Years team and Bury College, means an extra £180,000 altogether will be available.

That will cover a period through until December 2003 and the cash has been earmarked to give women employed, or wishing to be employed, in the field of childcare, access to bespoke training courses.

Councillor John Costello, Chair of the Bury Early Years Development & Childcare Partnership, said: "We are obviously thrilled at the announcement of this extra phase two funding, which follows on from a similar Business Skills project which began back in October last year.

"This money will allow local women the chance to enhance their own skills and knowledge, while for those already working in the field, it will improve the long term viability of their business. At the same time the funding will pay for an outreach worker from the Curriculum Learning Access Service, based at the Seedfield Centre in Bury, to continue their work in the community with ethnic groups."

He added: "This scheme got under way only last year as a result of the successful phase one bid and has led to a group of Asian ladies beginning basic IT courses. Hopefully, through schemes like this, we can make a real impact in improving the role of women in the workplace, by giving easier access to the necessary training and learning opportunities."

Local authority business support and funding officer, Sue Dickinson, added: "The range of courses on offer include personnel management skills, business planning, finance, marketing, IT and paediatric first aid. The location, timing and delivery of courses are all designed to be flexible which means that they can fit in with the commitments of learners, while travelling expenses and childcare costs can also be covered.

"And, if the men feel they are being left out, they need not. We are keen to encourage them to attend courses as often we can obtain funding from other sources. If anyone wants to find out more they can contact me by telephoning 0161-253-6405 or email s.m.dickinson@bury.gov.uk"