Opinion

Editor's View - Twos are centre stage on the early years scene

Two is definitely the magic number in the early years sector at the moment, referring of course to two-year-olds - the free places for the 40 per cent most disadvantaged, the Progress Check and all the challenges of funding, provision and practice.

An announcement on the funding of the two-year-olds' places is expected imminently. The new Minister for Education and Childcare, Elizabeth Truss, was very keen to flag this up as an indication of the way DfE policy would be moving in our interview.

Ms Truss is promising simplicity and transparency on the rate that providers receive, and in the way that quality will be rewarded. She admits that sorting this out, let alone the free entitlement for three- and four-year-olds, will not be easy.

Indeed, the whole provision of the two-year-olds places will be fraught with difficulty. How can the government ensure enough places in the right areas, properly funded, and of high quality when local authorities are hard-pressed?

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

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here