The troublesome introduction of the new code of practice on the nursery education grant seems to have reached a messy deadlock, with private and voluntary providers continuing to protest, the Government refusing to budge, and some local authorities avoiding the issue by delaying sending out new protocols. So when top-rated inner London council Camden warns that nearly half of its funded places could be at risk if no top-up fees are allowed, it is to be hoped that the powers-that-be listen (see News, page 4). Camden's recent meeting on the nursery education grant had an impressive list of high-level attendees...