What are the government’s plans for early childhood education?

On the 19 September the government announced that approximately 140,000 disadvantaged 2 year olds would get an extra free year of early childhood education.

This was a result of the government’s Fairness Premium, announced in October 2010. The Premium means the free 15 hour entitlement, currently only available for 3 and 4 year olds, is now open to disadvantaged 2 year olds as well. The plans also propose changes to the way we decide who is disadvantaged, suggesting we use the criteria for assessing free school meals.

To help cope with the strain, the government is allocating £331m to local authorities, for use between 2013 and 2014, when the scheme begins.

The government believes that this funding could be used to cover other 2 year olds as well. It stated that it wants a free education for children cared for by the state. In addition, it also wants local authorities to consider giving places to children who would particularly benefit from the scheme. This could include children with special educational needs or disabilities.

In announcing the plans, the government hopes to reverse the recent statistics which highlight the issues for young children growing up in deprived areas. Recent reports show that less than half of children in the UK reach targeted levels in the foundation stage profile by age 5. This is in contrast to the 70 per cent, living in the least deprived areas, who achieve the right level of development in their early childhood education.

This is good news and appears to be a step forward in raising standards in the early years. Research shows that children who have access to high quality early education are more likely to start school, ready to learn, with the schools they need. This is a view held by the Children’s Minister, Sarah Teather, who said:

‘Early education and childcare is crucial to a child’s development, giving them the opportunity to learn, thrive and play. But far too many children, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, are starting primary school without the skills they need to do well. Evidence shows that attainment gaps can open up as early as 22 months and persist through school.’

It should be noted that these announcements are still subject to change. The plans are being consulted on in the autumn and the Department for Education is currently listening to views, from professionals, authorities and parents, about what is the best course of action to take.

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Early Years

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