Nursery World - Nursery Management: Two-year-olds

With the aim to extend the free entitlement to 40 per cent of all two-year-olds by 2015, nurseries are having to think long and hard about how they can equip themselves to deliver this, as it will require many changes, says Mary Evans.

The Government's move to extend free entitlement to nursery education to the most disadvantaged twoyear-olds creates challenges and opportunities for the early years sector.

With the economic climate threatening the sustainability of providers across the country, the prospect of a new market seems appealing. However, early years teams who have taken part in two-year-old pilot schemes say there are financial, workforce and logistical issues to consider.

While funding is increased for two-year-olds, twice the level of staffing is required to meet ratios. 'There is more money associated,' says Suzanne Pinkett, nursery business manager of Teresa Teddy Nursery in Blackpool. 'There also tends to be more complex needs associated with the children, in terms of settling them in and parental support. There are more meetings and follow-ups with referrals to other professionals, such as speech and language therapists.'

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