Work on the practical issues surrounding delivery of the extended freeentitlement is continuing with interim guidance issued by the DCSF.While this is aimed at local authorities, it is accessible to allinterested parties, and as the subsequent changes will have an impact onhow Nursery Education Grant will be paid in the future, it is importantfor nurseries to understand context and consultation arrangements.
Guidance is contained in two documents which can be obtained by visitingthe Every Child Matters website atwww.everychildmatters.gov.uk/earlyyears.
Interim Guidance on the Flexible Extension
From September 2010, local authorities must offer a flexible 15 hoursper week of free early education to all three- and four-year-olds over aminimum of 38 weeks. As a first step, this offer should be madeavailable to 25 per cent of the most disadvantaged children fromSeptember 2009. In addition to the implications for practice, nurseriesshould be thinking about the business opportunities, including how thiscan be marketed to parents to retain children in their pre-schoolyear(s), targeting parents only if the nursery is experiencing lowoccupancy, and revisiting pricing structures to work around thisincreased flexibility.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
