28 September, 2000
Free nursery place if you conceive
FREE nursery places have been announced for all
three-year-olds whose parents want to take them up.
But the free places won’t spread out to everyone until September
2004 – meaning that the children who will benefit haven’t even
been conceived yet!
The announcement by Education Secretary David Blunkett will see a
guaranteed place at nursery for every three-year-old in England by
September 2004, if parents want to take them up. This will mean five
two-and-a-half hour sessions per week will be covered by the
government.
Between now and 2004, there will be a steady increase in the number
of places available. Currently 33% of three-year-olds and 100% of
four-year-old are entitled to a nursery place.
By March 2002 that will have extended to 66% of three-year-olds,
then to 100% of three-year-olds by the 2004 deadline. 80% of the
places are being provided by playgroups, voluntary and private
providers.
Mr Blunkett said: “Nursery education is vital to improve the
life chances of children across the country. For years parents and
teachers have argued the importance of universal provision for those
parents who want it for their children. From 2004 we can now say that
their hopes will be met. We have already made sure that every
four-year-old, whose parents want a place for their children, has one.
“This expansion will continue to offer parents a choice of
early years setting for their children, whether it is in the private,
voluntary or public sector. 80 per cent of new places are being
provided by working in partnership with playgroups and other voluntary
and private providers. We will continue to work closely in partnership
with the voluntary sector to ensure diversity of early years
provision.
“Universal nursery provision will give parents more choice
over whether they return to work or enter into further education or
training. As part of the National Childcare Strategy we are
encouraging providers to offer fully integrated childcare and early
education which will offer a stable and consistent early years
experience for young children.”
Have you considered all your childcare
options until your baby reaches nursery school age? Read about the
pros and cons of each, from family
carers to a workplace
creche.
Babyworld members have already been sharing their views on this
story. Visit the Views
on the news and Working
mums discussion boards to see what they’ve been saying and add
your own thoughts.
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