Nursery World - PVI settings counting where grants go

Local authorities are deciding how to spend the capital grant allocations they have received to help private and voluntary sector nurseries adapt their buildings and outside space to extend the free early education offer and deliver flexible provision.

Last month, children's minister Beverley Hughes said PVI settings would get £642m for 2008-2011 to improve their environment, including facilities for disabled children and better outdoor play areas.

Birmingham City Council is to receive an annual grant of £5,314,200 for the next three years. Lesley Adams, the council's head of early years and childcare, said, 'We'll be looking at prioritising settings that can offer the enhanced hours. I anticipate we'll have a range of needs.'

She added, 'Developing outdoor areas is key for us. It's been one of our priorities for the past few years. We encourage settings to think creatively about their outdoor areas.'

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