National context
From 1st September Section 7 of the Childcare Act 2006 placed a duty on Local Authorities to secure early years provision free of charge, a change from the duty to secure sufficient nursery education under Section 118 (1) of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.
This means an extension from the existing entitlement for 3 and 4 year olds of 12.5 hours per week over a maximum of 38 weeks to 15 hours per week over a minimum of 38 weeks a year, to be delivered flexibly.
To support the extension of the free entitlement Local Authorities will be required to develop a funding formula based per actual child attending, rather than per place
Timescale for extension and funding reforms
From September 2009 the opportunity of the extended entitlement should be available to 25% of all 3 and 4 year olds who wish to access it. DCSF guidelines state that Local Authorities must target economic deprivation and use local data sets to ensure an evidence based approach.
April 2010 - introduction of formula based on actual child attending rather than per place.
September 2010 – extended offer available to all 3 and 4 year olds who wish to access it.
Local approach
Early Years Reform Programme Board formed August 2008.
Early Years Reform Project Team formed to:
- Facilitate communication and consultation with all stakeholders.
- Develop new local authority policies and support settings with development of new policies & practice; managing change; and implementing new financial, administrative and monitoring procedures.
- Support parents in accessing appropriate affordable childcare.
Two phase programme plan:
- Phase 1 - targeted support to settings identified as having the greatest impact on children and families from areas of economic deprivation to develop an extended offer.
- Phase 2 - a programme of consultation and implementation to ensure the opportunity of an extended offer to all 3 and 4 year olds by September 2010.
The Bristol rationale
- Secure improved outcomes for children and families.
- Narrow the gap in educational achievement between children from low income and disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers.
- Raise the quality of provision in all early years settings.
- Secure greater accountability with clear models of self evaluation.
- Ensure effective self evaluation, monitoring, challenge and support to all providers.
Further information
The links on this page contain further information including minutes from Early Years Reform Programme Board meetings, dates of briefing sessions and time lines. If you would like any other information please contact:
Chris Amphlett, Project Manager
Early Years & Childcare Service,
Room 361, Council House, College Green
BRISTOL, BS1 5TR
Tel. 0117 922 2601
Email. christopher.amphlett@bristol.gov.uk