More than half of settings only providing expanded funded places to existing families

Findings from Tapestry’s annual survey of more than 550 early years educators, reveal that 69 per cent of respondents are providing the expanded offer, but only to existing families, with no extra places created for new families.

However, the survey does show that more than half of respondents felt the first month of the expanded offer had ‘gone well’.

A third said they had passed on extra costs to parents.

Comments from respondents highlight the challenges felt by settings. One respondent said, ‘Staff are stretched, we are unable to recruit, and the parents aren't given enough info.’

Another added, ‘[We] can't get staff working longer hours to cover.’

Looking ahead to the third phase of the expanded offer rollout in September, more than half of respondents (54 per cent) felt they were only ‘partially prepared at best’.

The survey also asked respondents to give their views on what they felt the next government should include in their early years policies. Greater funding (89 per cent) and more support for children with additional support needs (81 per cent) were most popular options. Half (54 per cent) felt a new government should include subsidised professional development qualifications for those pursuing a career in the early years.

'It is important that a new government understands that support for children with SEND needs to start in the early years'.

Dr Helen Edwards, co-founder of Tapestry and a former nursery owner, said, ‘It is likely we will have a Labour government following the election, and I am encouraged that their manifesto talks about driving up quality – something close to every educator’s heart.

‘However, it is also important that a new government understands that support for children with SEND needs to start in the early years, and our survey shows this is a priority, and one that needs funding.’