The Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership - EYDCP - is a body of people representing different sections of the community who are interested in early years education and childcare for children aged from 0 to 14 years.

As a subgroup of the Children's Partnership, it plays an integral part in the strategic direction of early years and childcare services under the Framework Partnership for Children and Young People.

1. Promotes and encourages developments in early years education and childcare in Neath Port Talbot.
2. Develops childcare and early years education services for children as part of the National Childcare Strategy.
3. Ensures good quality, affordable, accessible early years and childcare services that meet the needs of children parents and the community.
4. Undertakes an annual Childcare Audit to establish how many and what kind of new childcare places are needed.
5. Coordinates the information and training needs of the early years and childcare workforce and implements a countywide childcare Training Programme that helps to develop and maintain a quality service.
6. Oversees the development and implementation of the Sure Start Programme in Neath Port Talbot, which aims to improve services for young children aged 0 to 3 years and their families, ensuring the best start in life!
7. Feeds into the wider Children and Young People’s Framework, whose main remit is to oversee a strategic plan and vision encompassing all services that impact on children and young people up to the age of 25.