Posted on Thursday 2nd February 2012
The free funded places for 3 and 4 year olds has played a significant role in the childcare sector throughout recent years, for children, parents and childcare providers. With the funding for two year olds| gathering pace locally and nationally the DfE have recently undergone a consultation on a new code of practice, it is this practice that the local authority produce its local terms and conditions on the free funded places.
It has yet to be confirmed when the new code of practice will be implemented, but the authority will be updating the Staffordshire local agreement with guidance from the DfE, this will be rolled out from the 1st April 2012 and will contain conditions on the operation of the 2 year funding project that is currently progressing in Staffordshire.
It is important childcare providers carefully read these terms and conditions and return the declaration as soon as possible. The Family Information Service| will be sending out the new document throughout March to all providers who offer funded places.