Nursery World - Analysis: Worries all round with EYSFF system

For many providers, the Early Years Single Funding Formula seems to be creating more problems than it will solve. Karen Faux finds out why.

Time is fast running out to make the figures of the Early Years Single Funding Formula add up in a way that satisfies the whole of the sector.

Since the Government published its Practice Guidance in July, on the back of evidence gathered from local authority pilots, concerns have escalated about its likely impact. While the formula has been designed to create a level playing field between the maintained and PVI sectors, it seems in danger of fuelling an even greater sense of 'us and them'.

Amid these anxieties, the Government has now mounted a select committee inquiry. It is calling for written evidence on how the EYSFF is expected to affect early years education and childcare services, and will examine difficulties that have been encountered in drawing up the new formula. It seeks to establish how local authorities will be dealing with these problems.

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