Sector leaders give their views on new proposals for free entitlement

Proposals also include replacing the Code of Practice for three-and four-year-olds with new guidance for local authorities to make it less prescriptive and bureaucratic.

At fewer than 20 pages, the new document would be much shorter and clearer than the Code of Practice, the consultation said, and would provide greater clarity about the free entitlement for two-, three- and four-year-olds and on securing sufficient chidlcare for working parents.

Purnima Tanuku, chief executive, National Day Nurseries Association, said, 'The free entitlement has been the number one issue for NDNA members for some years and this consultation, including a review of the Code of Practice, is a positive step.

'The private, voluntary and independent sector will be critical in ensuring there is sufficient high-quality provision for local authorities to meet their duties to provide for all disadvantaged two-year-olds.

'The move to increase a "basket" of quality criteria that providers will need to meet to access funding must give providers recognition of achievements in Ofsted inspections and the flexibility to choose the quality improvement support that meets their needs.'