In its response to the government’s consultation on the free entitlement to early education for three- and four-year-olds and disadvantaged two-year-olds, the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) gathered the views of its members who stressed the importance of earmarked funding.
The membership organisation also urged local authorities to work closely with providers when interpreting and applying the revised code of practice, which governs how the entitlement must be delivered.
Purnima Tanuku, NDNA chief executive, said: "The funding allocated to early years provision must reach the frontline otherwise it is not sustainable for many nurseries to participate in the free entitlement.
"This could become a particular problem with the plans to expand places for more two-year-olds from less advantaged backgrounds due to the higher ratios required and additional needs that these families may have."
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