The DfE's national support contract, 'Achieving Two Year Olds (A2YO)', delivered by Mott MacDonald and Hempsall's, is focused on supporting providers to meet the challenge of creating two-year-old places. It has launched a checklist and information resource aimed at all providers thinking about getting involved.
Hempsall's director James Hempsall says, 'The success of the three- and four-year-old offer has provided lots of lessons, and build-up for the two-year-old places has already started with tens of thousands of places currently being provided.
'With funding allocations made to local authorities in December, negotiations are under way for managing and distributing funding from April 2013.'
To assist providers, A2YO is sharing thoughts on what providers of all types, including childminders, schools and children's centres, could be doing now for the two-year-old offer. Its ten-point checklist offers a simple framework of things to consider and people to talk to.
'There are lots of sources of support out there we have signposted, so that everyone has the information, training and support they need,' Mr Hempsall adds.
'Through our work over the first six months of this project, we have met with hundreds of different settings and childminders and provider forums, networks and events. We've been pleased with the energy and interest around working collectively to achieve success together. This checklist includes lots of their ideas too.'
IDEAS INTO PRACTICE
Nursery World's 'Take Twos' column over the past year has built a picture of how even small changes to practice, staff rotas and space within a setting can make a big difference to how two-year-olds can be catered for in terms of places, quality and meeting demand from families.
These types of ideas and experiences can support settings to put ideas into practice and overcome perceived barriers.
'The support for providers that A2Y0 commissioned in the autumn and will continue across the country over the next two years is also supporting these aims,' says Mr Hempsall.
From September 2013, eligible children will be those who meet the criteria for free school meals, looked-after children and any others at the local authority's discretion. Over half of eligible two-year-olds use no formal childcare currently, so this offers both providers and families new opportunities for learning and employment.
There is a growing range of support for providers offered by most national membership organisations, training agencies and local authorities. The checklist also includes how to reach some of the key contacts, including A2YO, and access business support, training and online resources.
A2YO says it is interested in feedback from providers about the checklist and will consider releasing a short series looking at specialist areas for two-year-olds later in the year - if there is a demand.
TEN POINT CHECKLIST
1. Ask the key question Could you provide places for two-year-olds?
2. Discuss with your local authority its funding arrangements and any requirements.
3. Look at other ideas What have other providers done or what are they planning? What lessons have they learned from working with two-year-olds before?
4. Small changes can make a big difference What changes could you make now? Could you take more children if you change the way you deliver your hours?
5. Talk with parents Is there a local demand for twos?
6. Are there opportunities to work in partnership with other settings (group providers or childminders), schools or children's centres?
7. Think about your setting Find out if changes to ways of working, or routines could open up spare capacity.
8. Look around your space Perhaps you have an area you could adapt for two-year-olds
9. Now review your business model Do the sums add up?
10. Finalise your plans.
TRAINING
A2YO has flagged up key areas for training and recommends that providers contact their local authority early years and childcare team, Family Information Service, national training provider or membership organisation to find out what is available. Courses currently include:
- Business support for the two-year-old offer. Covers how settings can integrate twos into their business plan.
- Quality provision for two-year-olds - a partnership approach. Aimed at managers and EYPs wishing to enhance quality.
- Parents, Early Years and Learning (PEAL). Supports all those who work with young children and their families to develop ways of engaging parents in their children's early learning.
- Progress check. Explores the format of the two-year-old progress check, content and information sharing under the revised EYFS.
The NDNA, Pre-School Learning Alliance and The Early Childhood Unit of the NCB also offer online training programmes to support provision for twos.
FURTHER INFORMATION
A2Y0's checklist and information resource is being distributed through all 152 local authorities and national early years and childcare organisations. It also available on the Foundation Years website and on request from A2YO