group of low-income families accessing it, and providers will need a
flexible model to meet their needs.
For families in low-income employment, flexibility is usually more important than the offer of sessional care alone. There also needs to be the option to buy more time if they need it. There are many different models being developed for the delivery of two-year-old places - from standalone rooms, to groupings with three- and four-year-old rooms, to a middle ground that offers a base with opportunities for age-group integration.
Lark Hill Nursery School in Stockport shares a site with the primary school and a children's centre. The nursery offers 78 places for three- and four-year-olds, which include part-time provision with an option of paying for additional sessions for families who need more than the free entitlement. Last summer, it registered to deliver 16 places for two-year-olds in a room that was originally intended to be used as a dining/training room. The space is linked to the main three- and four-year-old provision and has direct access to the garden; and a new door has provided separate access.
It provides two-year-olds with their own base and allows opportunities to visit and mix with older children inside and outside - something many settings tell me has been a great benefit for children's social and learning skills.
Understanding the differing needs of this age group has enabled Lark Hill to design and equip a space that supports two-year-olds in their learning. There are similarities to the three- and four-year-old space, and differences - including the landscaping of the outdoor area, which provides elements of challenge appropriate for two-year-olds.
The nursery wanted to ensure it had a qualified and experienced staff team and has recruited one 'level three' and one 'level five', both with experience of working with two-year-olds, one with a PVI background and the other a childminder.
The two-year-old room offers mornings and afternoons with 12 children on roll at day one.
And, importantly, eligible families are accessing their free entitlement - free of charge - while some parents are paying for places to help them with their work or educational activities.
James Hempsall is director of Hempsall's (@jhempsall, www.hempsalls.com).