The provisions of the Childcare Act place new pressures on providers and local authorities alike.
There is a feeling in the air that the future could be uncertain for the Early Years Foundation Stage, although there has been no firm indication yet from the new Government about its intentions.
Northumberland is hosting a pilot scheme whereby all schools should offer wrap-around care and pre-school provision.
When the Government revealed that it is considering making it mandatory for all early years staff to be qualified to at least level 3 (Nursery World, 4 February), it caused quite a stir.
What with all the warnings about global recession, credit crunch and financial meltdown, it's somewhat unexpected for Nursery World to be able to report that things appear to be looking up for the...