Pre-school Learning Alliance calls for an independent review of early education funding
NEWS RELEASE
28 July 2006
Pre-school Learning Alliance calls for an independent review of early education funding
The Pre-school Learning Alliance is calling for an independent review of early years funding to address concerns raised by both voluntary and private sector providers about threats to the long term sustainability of their settings.
Steve Alexander, Chief Executive of the Alliance, said
“As the only organisation which represents the full range of early years groups and with considerable membership from both the voluntary and private sectors, the Alliance is uniquely placed to raise concerns from members in both sectors about the impact of grant funding, the drive to improve standards, and stipulations in the Code of Practice on their sustainability.
Free stand alone early education at the point of delivery for all 3 and 4 year olds at the setting of their parents' choice is a principle for which the Pre-school Learning Alliance campaigned hard, and must be protected.
We know our members share this aspiration but some are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve sustainability in the current climate. Nursery Education Funding (NEF) in some areas is simply not enough to provide a service which is viable in the long-term.
The Alliance believes that it is vital that private, voluntary and independent (PVI) groups can continue to engage and support children and parents from lower income families. It is also important that small groups whose high overheads reflect factors such as limits on numbers or premise opening hours can continue to offer flexibility and choice for parents. Additionally the sector needs to attract and retain high quality staff if settings are to develop in line with the government emphasis on quality and deliver the exciting vision outlined in the new Childcare Bill.
The government must acknowledge that current levels of NEF without the facility to ‘top up’ fees means many providers, particularly sessional groups with no additional services, could be threatened with closure and many parents will find their choices greatly reduced. To avoid this the Alliance is urging government to consider further investment in this important supply side funding.
Additionally some of our members are reporting that their local authorities are not funding them flexibly below the maximum 38 week offer. In extreme cases some have even been threatened with their funding being withdrawn by next year if they are unable to extend their services to 38 weeks. The Alliance asks government to ensure that local authorities pay heed to section 5.9 of the code of practice which makes it clear that where parents are willing to accept less than the maximum offer that groups can continue to receive this vital stream of funding.”
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 Pre-school Learning Alliance links 15,000 pre-schools and 800,000 young children and their families in England. Established in 1961 and registered as an educational charity, the Alliance is involved in more Sure Start projects than any other organisation and operates a number of Neighbourhood Nurseries. For information about the Pre-school Learning Alliance, visit our website: www.pre-school.org.uk