Managing the change process towards a flexible offer is difficult - but not impossible. Many settings say it is essential to provide a future for their business sustainability and security.
This was the case at Wootton Pre-school in Northamptonshire. Established in 1974, it had offered the traditional sessional service where older children (funded by the entitlement) attended in the mornings and younger ones in the afternoons. It identified in its business plan that embracing the flexible offer could strengthen its position in the local market, and it formulated a plan to support this transition.
First, the separate sessions would need to end. Instead, the pre-school would offer three-hour mornings and afternoons, or a six-hour session including lunch.
Alternatively, parents could take advantage of a chargeable lunch club, extending their children's day.
Parents were apprehensive about mixing age groups, as they believed this would slow down older children's learning and development progress. Other families were wary about breaking away from the traditional routine of sessional patterns.
The pre-school tackled these reservations head-on, using drop-in sessions and parent committees to listen and discuss concerns.
Staff actively promoted the benefits of the new offer for all children. In the end a compromise was reached. Friday morning sessions continue to be offered to pre-school children only, now focusing on preparing children to be ready for school.
It was a leap of faith for the pre-school but necessary to maintain its position in the local market. A year on, the pre-school staff and parents have witnessed the great progress younger children are making as a result of spending time in the mixed age group. Some parents continue to take a five-day sessional pattern, while the flexible offer has been very well used. Parents of older children now have confidence the arrangement is supporting their child's learning and value the Friday morning session. The pre-school is full, with a waiting list and the take-up of the full day has increased for next year, justifying the decision to offer greater flexibility.
Further information:
James Hempsall is director of training and research provider Hempsall's (www.hempsallconsultancies.com).
