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Concerns the expanded offer isn't 'workable in practice' due to limited space and providers capping places

Early years providers will struggle to meet increased demand for funded places once the expanded offer comes in due to staffing and space shortages, suggest new findings.
The Early Years Alliance's survey highlights challenges with the delivery of the expanded offer
The Early Years Alliance's survey highlights challenges with the delivery of the expanded offer

According to a survey of 1,196 providers by the Early Years Alliance:

The findings also reveal that at the time of the survey (25 January – 8 February) just over two in five (41 per cent) settings currently offering places to two-year-olds and planning to continue to do so under the expended offer had received confirmation of what their funding rate will be.  

Earlier this month, the Department for Education said it has made clear to all local authorities that they should confirm funding rates that come into force from 1 April, no later than the end of February.

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