The move to a formula based on participation rather than places was delayed until April 2011 in December, following widespread concern that the EYSFF was a threat to maintained nursery schools (News, 9 December 2009).
However, local authorities that wanted to implement the EYSFF this year were told that they could apply to do so via the pathfinder programme.
The 56 local authorities will build on the work of the original nine pilot areas that introduced the EYSFF last April.
Children's minister Dawn Primarolo said, 'Many local authorities are doing excellent work with early years providers to prepare for the new formula, and I'm really pleased that a third of local authorities are ready to implement from 2010. The new formula is not designed to disadvantage maintained nurseries or to enable private nurseries to make large profits. Local authorities have a duty to ensure that provision in their area meets the needs of families, and we will continue to support local authorities which may need extra help.'
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