Pre-school Learning Alliance report highlights shortcomings of a "one size fits all" approach for a successful mixed childcare economy
NEWS RELEASE
18 May 2007
Pre-school Learning Alliance report highlights shortcomings of a "one size fits all" approach for a successful mixed childcare economy
Research undertaken by the Pre-school Learning Alliance, England’s largest voluntary provider of childcare, brings into sharp focus the challenges of the current "one size fits all" approach to funding for its diverse membership, both now and in the future as settings strive to deliver the childcare strategy
Key findings from the survey undertaken in January 2007 revealed that:
- Two thirds of Alliance members (62%) surveyed said that they were coping with current levels of NEF. Of this figure 76% of respondents were providing sessional care and 23% were offering full daycare
- 66% of Alliance members whose fees were higher than NEF were based in London
- Members providing full daycare were more likely to be experiencing difficulties than members offering sessional care.
- Almost 2/3 of members who were registered to do so, stated they would be able to provide the free entitlement flexibly. However, many respondents stressed the importance of receiving realistic levels of funding to provide this
Steve Alexander, Chief Executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance said:
“The findings of our survey present a snapshot of a childcare market which, while embracing the childcare strategy, is we fear, only just managing to accommodate its interventions.
Members offering full daycare, particularly those in London, are telling us that they are struggling to meet the costs of accommodating the free entitlement. And while 62% of members are coping with levels of NEF, the Alliance is concerned that this is only at the present time. Rising annual costs, the drive to improve quality and forthcoming initiatives such as the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage, are likely to create additional costs for providers further threatening their long-term sustainability.
The findings of the report are timely, coming as they do on the heels of the Government's welcomed consultation into early years funding. They also, we believe, provide critical evidence of the need for our recommendations are taken on board and implemented. Specifically the Alliance is calling for:
- a universal funding formula to ensure that levels of NEF better represent the costs incurred by individual members
- a minimum amount to be ringfenced for early years from the Direct Schools Grant
- NEF to be increased appropriately year-on-year
- The flexible offer to be financed realistically.
- A national review building on the findings in this report should be conducted to analyse the current regional variations, differing business models, and projected costs to provide child care taking into account future initiatives in the sector
We stress however that for these interventions to have the greatest benefit, they must be underpinned by an approach which respects the diversity of the market. The challenges currently faced by many childcare providers reflect the inability of the current ‘one size fits all’ approach to respond to their individual needs and different business models. ”
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Kate Summerside
Pre-school Learning Alliance
T: 020 7697 2502
Out of hours press calls: 07956 499621
E: Kate Summerside
Notes for Editors:
- The survey sample comprised 300 members of the Pre-school Learning Alliance.
- The report can be downloaded from www.pre-school.org.uk/news/policy/2007/.
- The Pre-school Learning Alliance is the largest voluntary sector provider of quality affordable childcare and education in England.
- Through direct provision and its membership of 15,000 nurseries, sessional pre-schools and parent and toddler groups, the Alliance supports over 800,000 children and their families in England. The Alliance also develops and runs family learning programmes, offers information and advice, runs acclaimed training and accreditation programmes and campaigns to influence early years policy and practice.
- For information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website: www.pre-school.org.uk