Policy Threads

Early Years Funding Formulae

The Department for Education is addressing how government funding formulae for early years settings (nurseries, pre-schools) are calculated and distributed, with concerns that current rates do not adequately cover staffing costs or support provider sustainability and year-round operations. The issue encompasses funding adequacy for two and three-year-old provision, financial accessibility for families, and simplification of the childcare application process. The department has launched a consultation on reforms to the early years funding system.

24 Apr 2024 | Research Department for Education linked

Preparations to extend early years entitlements for working parents in England

Government set an ambitious timetable to expand free childcare; consequently, it’s facing uncertainty on feasibility, costs, and benefits. Report type: value_for_money | Departments: ['Department for Education'] | Topics: ["Childcare and children's services", 'Childcare and early years', 'Early yea

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24 Apr 2024 | Research linked

Preparations to extend early years entitlements to working parents in England

Report type: value_for_money

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17 Oct 2023 | Research linked

Sixth Special Report - Support for childcare and the early years: Government response to the Committee’s Fifth Report

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1 Dec 2016 | Impact assessment Department for Education linked

Early years national funding formula: equalities impact assessment

Analysis of the effect that changes to funding for childcare and early education will have on specific protected groups.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Early years national funding formula: equalitie… (14pp)