The move is one of several in a consultation launched this week by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES). It is aimed at extending the minimum entitlement to free nursery education places for three- and four-year-olds to 15 hours each week for 38 weeks a year by April 2007.
Local authorities, who will be given schools funding direct, will also be encouraged to set three-year agreements with private providers, enabling "more forward planning and better strategic decisions," according to the DfES.
But Lin Ashby, Pre-school Learning Alliance regional executive office team leader, said: "Playgroups that are in rural areas with fewer pupils and those in areas of deprivation serving hard-to-reach families may find it difficult if the criteria are too inflexible.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, 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
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
