http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/21/section/2/madeChildcare Act 2006Nursery schoolsChildmindingKing's Printer of Acts of Parliament2021-08-04 Part 1General functions of local authority: EnglandImprovement of young children’s well-beingMeaning of “early childhood services” for purposes of section 3 2 1 In section 3 “early childhood services”, in relation to an English local authority, means— a early years provision; b the social services functions of the local authority, so far as relating to young children, parents or prospective parents; c health services relating to young children, parents or prospective parents; d the provision, under arrangements made under section 2 of the Employment and Training Act 1973 (c. 50), of assistance to parents or prospective parents; e the service provided by the local authority under section 12 (duty to provide information and assistance) so far as relating to parents or prospective parents. 2 In this section— “parent” means a parent of a young child, and includes any individual who— has parental responsibility for a young child, or has care of a young child; “prospective parent” means a pregnant woman or any other person who is likely to become, or is planning to become, a parent; “social services functions”, in relation to a local authority, has the same meaning as in the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 (c. 42).