The message that a high-quality, well-resourced environment is essential for an early years system that has play-based learning at its heart is coming through loud and clear in recent initiatives.
The Early Years Foundation Stage has Enabling Environments as one of its four core themes, stressing that children should be able to initiate activities and follow their interests in suitably resourced provision, rather than have rigid, adult-led schemes imposed on them in 'one size fits all' fashion.
This is why Nursery World is publishing our great series 'Around the Nursery', with expert advice from Jane Drake on making the most of continuous provision in each part of the setting (see 'Starting blocks', pages 18-19). Our 'Let's Explore ...' pull-outs, too, are stressing the importance of having the right equipment and books to investigate themes such as trucks and diggers or baking.
So it is good news that the Government funding of an extra £642m for PVI providers is at least partly targeted at improving the quality of the environment and facilities, with a welcome mention for physical activity and outdoor play (see News, page 4).
However, early years providers might feel that what is given with one hand is taken away with another. The new consultation on registration fees shows massive hikes proposed (see News, page 6). Childminders and pre-schools will be particularly hard hit, with charges for sessional providers rising from £20 to £450 by 2010. This level of fees could be the last straw for those already struggling with sustainability and could deter those considering whether to enter childcare.
