Each local authority has been awarded an allocation of Early YearsCapital Grant by the DCSF to support the private, voluntary andindependent sector during 2008-11. While it falls to individualauthorities to develop grant regimes around local priorities, it isanticipated that the capital grant will be used to progress three broadprinciples, as follows.
Quality
A high-quality setting needs the right built environment and adequateand appropriate resources. Local authorities can also make strategicinvestment in equipment to facilitate delivery of the EYFS. This couldinclude equipment to observe children's progress, such as digitalcameras, ICT equipment, stimulating outdoor play apparatus, andresources to encourage language development, including musicalinstruments, CDs and books.
Access
This refers to the sufficiency duty of local authorities, who have astatutory responsibility to ensure that children of working parents areable to access childcare. Developing a grant around this theme will beinfluenced by findings from childcare sufficiency assessments at a locallevel. For example, capital grants may be made available to develop orextend childcare in areas with unmet demand. Full access is alsoimportant, so a local authority can choose to spend part of the grant onproviding facilities and equipment for disabled and SEN children.
Delivering the Free Entitlement
Physical barriers associated with delivering the extended freeentitlement have been identified as lack of facilities to providebreakfast and lunch, the availability and appropriateness of outsideplay space and inside space for rest.
While the priorities of individual authorities will no doubt differ totake account of local circumstance, this level of investment in PVIchildcare can only be good news. It presents a real opportunity fornurseries to benefit from direct financial investment while having apositive impact upon children's environment.
