What is it all about? The government has set out a series of proposals to extend free entitlement to childcare and boost the flexibility and quality of provision as part of its bid to ensure that all children have the right support in their foundation years. The planned reforms follow research that shows that children who fall in the bottom 20 per cent of educational attainment at the age of five are six times more likely to still be in the bottom 20 per cent by the end of Key Stage 1.
What are the main points? Among planned changes is the extension of the times at which free childcare could be accessed, and the scaling back of statutory guidance for local authorities from 100 pages to fewer than two. The consultation will also look at how the free entitlement for disadvantaged two-year-olds will be funded.
Who can have their say? Although aimed at local authorities and those involved in delivering early education and childcare, the Department for Education also welcomes views from parents and other interested parties.
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