Local authorities to propose school-based nurseries for phase three

child coins hands slivaet in the stack in stack growth, holding, investment

The DfE has today (Wednesday 4 February) published guidance for submitting proposals for its third phase of school-based nurseries funding. This pot of money – almost £325 million – will be made available for: Tim McLachlan, Chief Executive of NDNA said: “The Government has left the ground-work and local decision-making for the next round of… Continue reading Local authorities to propose school-based nurseries for phase three

IFS: This year’s funding rates 22% lower in real terms than in 2017

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) annual report on education spending in England shows how spending on education and in particular early years has dropped per child in real terms. Most notably, despite record investment in funded places, the Government is paying 22% less in real terms to providers than it was in 2017 when… Continue reading IFS: This year’s funding rates 22% lower in real terms than in 2017

Government rejects calls for review into early years funding system

The Government has responded to a report, published by the Petitions Committee which called for a review into the current childcare system. It said in its response that it is “not currently planning a review of the childcare system”. The Government believes that currently “support is available to help with childcare costs” and that it… Continue reading Government rejects calls for review into early years funding system

High employment rates will put stress on early years recruitment

The Office for National Statistics released its latest figures for the UK labour market this week. Employment is estimated at 75.4% – 1.1 percentage points lower than pre-pandemic levels, but 0.4 percentage points higher than last quarter. Unemployment figures came in at 4.3, a decrease of 0.5 percentage points and is only marginally higher then… Continue reading High employment rates will put stress on early years recruitment