16 March 2007
Councils and nursery providers have warned that the proposed national curriculum for babies, toddlers and pre-school children needs to be backed with adequate funding if it is to be a success.
The Early Years Foundation Stage framework, published on March 13, sets out standards for the development, learning and care of children from birth to the age of five.
It replaces a range of non-statutory guidance on pre-school development and sets out 69 early learning goals, covering children's physical development, their ability to express themselves in speech and writing and understanding of the world.
Under the programme, children of five should be able to manage such tasks as counting to ten, writing their names and dressing and undressing independently.
The EYFS will be implemented in September 2008 with all registered early years providers and schools required to use it.
The Department for Education and Skills said the early publication date was to allow preparation for its implementation.
But the Local Government Association raised questions over cost. A source told Public Finance that, while moves to improve the quality of early-years care were welcome, there was 'work to be done on costings'. The source added that the LGA would be looking to this year's Comprehensive Spending Review to provide adequate financing.
The National Day Nurseries Association warned that fees might have to rise unless the government agreed to provide additional money to back the framework.
Chief executive Purnima Tanuku said: 'Direct investment is needed to ensure that private and voluntary nurseries can support the costs of quality improvement and retain their staff for the benefit of children.'
According to the DfES, support for implementing the EYFS is through the general Sure Start grant. An additional £250m has been available through the transformation fund for workforce development.
Children's minister Beverley Hughes said: 'We want to make sure that whatever setting parents choose, they can be confident their child will get the best possible start in their learning and development.'
PFmar2007
