Funding levels for the free early years entitlement continue to be a pressing concern for many settings. It is vital that you ensure you are aware of what your local authority is doing around the free entitlement, especially regarding its plans for the Early Years Single Funding Formula (EYSFF.)
Although local authorities are now able to delay this for up to a year, they can also make an application to pilot the EYSFF as part of a second wave of pathfinders. If accepted, the local authority will implement a formula from April this year. This has caused some concern among providers, but it is important to note that the Government is requiring local authorities to demonstrate they meet specific criteria, including that the application has the support of the Schools Forum and Early Years Reference Group.
Getting involved with these groups is how you can influence the way free entitlement works locally. The two groups broadly work as follows:
- Schools Forum: this is the 'guardian' of the local schools budget, which includes money for the free entitlement and schools. When the Government announced measures to reform funding, these included local authorities ensuring that there was PVI early years representation on the group
- Early Years Reference Group: often a subgroup of the Schools Forum, these are set up to specifically look at the implementation of the EYSFF. They often include numerous providers from a range of sectors and local authority representatives.
Find out who your local representative is on both groups. Many local authorities will include this information in their newsletters, and you should be able to find it easily from the early years department. You can then contact them to find out how you can get involved.
If you belong to a local nursery network you could invite a local authority representative along to speak about the process and how you are represented. This process may also identify if there is a vacancy, or if nominations are invited for new individuals to stand for election on the groups.
Local authorities are tasked with implementing the national reforms to the way funding for the free entitlement is distributed. This means that you need to ensure your voice is heard so that your local authority can understand how developments will impact on you.
Of course, there are other ways to do this. It is vital that you complete documentation sent by your local authority, attend open consultative events and respond to consultations. Being part of a local nursery network can help you do this effectively.
Your local authority will be using the next year to either trial or develop an effective EYSFF. Sharing your views will help ensure that this works in practice.
Working together will be crucial in achieving a fair and sustainable free entitlement. NDNA can support members who may be experiencing difficulty building these partnerships or accessing information. No matter what your availability or knowledge, you can get involved - make sure you highlight your views.
Claire Schofield is director of membership, policy and communications at the NDNA