The free entitlement continues to be a pressing concern for many nurseries. NDNA has been campaigning hard to get the issues recognised by politicians and policymakers, and there have been many developments, the latest being the new Code of Practice for the delivery of a 15-hour flexible offer. Free entitlement is the number one point in NDNA's ten-point plan, which is being used as a basis for discussion with candidates across all political parties in the run-up to the general election.
The most common issue, consistent across the majority of providers, is that of under-funding. While the new Code of Practice clearly outlines what is expected in the move to a 15-hour entitlement, the funding issue remains unresolved in many cases. In addition, the delay to the Early Years Single Funding Formula puts an extra squeeze on the delivery of fairer funding, and under-funding ultimately makes the sector's continuing development harder.
NDNA continues to work hard to highlight the damaging impact that under-funding has upon providers, and sharing how the move to a flexible 15-hour offer may exacerbate this. You too can play a role in keeping this on the agenda in the run-up to the election, ensuring that prospective candidates understand that the free entitlement needs to be a priority issue.
You play a vital role in reinforcing the messages NDNA is giving at a national level. Actions you can take include:
- Write to your local parliamentary candidates and get them to come to your nursery. This is your opportunity to talk to them about the impact of free entitlement issues. As part of this, it is important that you communicate how you support the principles of the free entitlement for children and families, but it must be free to the parent and the provider.
- Read up on the history. Remember that there are thousands more nurseries experiencing the problems you do. Visit the 'events, campaigns and awards' section of www.ndna.org.uk so that you can look at the developments there have been. This is especially important, because if your parliamentary candidates is not already aware of the issue, they may already ask you what action has been taken. You can also view our ten-point plan in the 'about us' section, which will help you share more about sector issues on any visit
- Gather support. The media is full of reports of how all the political parties are recognising parents as key voters. Tell parents in simple terms the impact this under-funding has on your nursery, ensuring you balance this with stressing that you want to continue to deliver sessions
- Make sure you look at your new provider agreement. All local authorities are expected to consult on the new provider agreements following the release of the Code of Practice, and you should get involved with this. NDNA members can access a factsheet about what the new code means for them, and at the very least, you should check your local authority is accurately reflecting the principles and requirements of the code. This will help you to ensure that you are prepared, that you give feedback on any requirements that have implications for your sustainability, and that you remind your local authority of the issues you face. Involvement in a local nursery network can help with this.
The campaign for fairer funding for the free entitlement has been a long and difficult one, and NDNA is working hard to ensure it remains high on the agenda. Your support in keeping it there is vital, and the election provides an ideal opportunity to share your views.
The free entitlement is a fantastic benefit for children and families, and if funded properly, nurseries are more than willing and able to offer this to all children. NDNA is stressing this must be free to the parent and the provider. We we hope you will visit our website so you can help play your part in achieving this.
