It is not yet clear what the coalition Government will do for nursery education, but we can expect some big changes. Both parties favour less regulation and agree on the need for a diverse range of provision. This could see education providers run schools and teachers have more control over the national curriculum. So, private and voluntary nurseries might feel hopeful of a sympathetic ear from ministers.
The Government will have to face the problems with the Early Years Single Funding Formula head-on. Too many nurseries lose money on 'free' hours and close down as a result.
Both parties support the free entitlement in principle, but the Conservatives have said they are prepared to allow nurseries to charge parents top-up fees temporarily until EYSFF is up and running nationwide. In contrast, the Lib Dems would like to give parents more hours of free childcare and may oppose top-ups.
There is more agreement on the Early Years Foundation Stage, which is considered 'bureaucratic'. They want minimum standards, fewer targets and less prescription. This may mean providers could have more choice on how they deliver the EYFS.
With the new Government likely to be pro-business and anti-regulation, private and voluntary nurseries should help politicians understand more about how their businesses operate and what they need to thrive. In any case, the sector must work together to ensure early years education is seen as a priority.
