The Early Years Single Funding Formula

HC 131, Seventh Report of Session 2009-10 - Report, Together with Formal Minutes, Oral and Written Evidence

Author:

Children, Schools and Families Committee

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

Price: £15.50

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'The Early Years Single Funding Formula (HC 131)' is intended to replace the different methods currently used to fund early years settings in the maintained sector as well as the private, voluntary and independent (PVI) sector.

Each local authority will in future use the same criteria for every setting in its area when allocating funds for education and care provided under the free entitlement for three and four year olds. The Formula has however resulted in winners and losers; the greatest losers being maintained nursery schools which provide a very high quality of education and care, setting the standard for others to follow.

Overall the difficulties encountered so far with the Single Funding Formula have arisen because of its implementation rather than the concept. Local authorities were encouraged to offer settings a supplement to the basic hourly rate of funding to recognise high quality provision but many have not done so. A quality supplement should be made mandatory.

The Government was correct in deciding to defer full implementation until April 2011 and the year's delay must be used to:

• restore stability; and

• rework funding formulae where necessary.

Sir Jim Rose's proposals to encourage entry to primary school in the September following a child's fourth birthday will have far-reaching consequences for early years funding but blur the distinction between early years and primary education. The Government should examine whether a unified funding system should be introduced for all children aged from two to 11 years old.

Extent	111 pages	ISBN	9780215545176
Size	A4	Price	£15.50
Format	Paperback	Published	24 Mar 2010
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges