It is not yet clear what the coalition Government will do for nursery education, but we can expect some big changes. Both parties favour less regulation and agree on the need for a diverse range of provision. This could see education providers run schools and teachers have more control over the national curriculum. So, private and voluntary nurseries might feel hopeful of a sympathetic ear from ministers.
The Government will have to face the problems with the Early Years Single Funding Formula head-on. Too many nurseries lose money on 'free' hours and close down as a result.
Both parties support the free entitlement in principle, but the Conservatives have said they are prepared to allow nurseries to charge parents top-up fees temporarily until EYSFF is up and running nationwide. In contrast, the Lib Dems would like to give parents more hours of free childcare and may oppose top-ups.
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