Pathfinder local authorities are testing innovative ways to extend the entitlement to free nursery education for three- and four-year-olds to 15 hours a week and deliver it flexibly to parents from next April. Judging by their experiences, the timescale is tight, funding problematic and there are serious practical implications for schools.
Perhaps the most delicate part of this process is the commitment to create a level playing field between the private, voluntary and independent (PVI) and maintained sectors. 'Proposals seeking to transfer funding from the maintained to the PVI sector are proving a major area of negotiation and development,' one local authority reveals.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here