Phase 1

The Phase 1 target is for 25% of the total 3 and 4 year old population from schools and Early Years Census data. In extending the offer the local authority must focus on the eligible target group of children first as evidence shows they have the most to gain from accessing the free entitlement offer.

The Government guidance states that economic deprivation should be the main measure. They must also be identified using local statistical evidence.

Phase 1 starts in September 2009 and runs for one year.

The local authority must ensure that 25% of 3 and 4 year olds have access to 15 hours a week over 38 weeks.

Which providers can participate in Phase 1?

In Phase 1 eligible settings will be those who are located within the areas of Kent where the most disadvantaged 25% of 3 and 4 year olds live.

All providers in these areas who are registered to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage were invited to participate including private, voluntary, independent and maintained sectors and accredited childminders.
In Phase 1 the maintained sector has been invited to participate on a pathfinder basis.

For Phase 1 we followed the DCSF (Department for Children, Schools and Families) guidance: “The Extension to the Free Early Education Entitlement Offer for 25% of 3- and 4-year olds: Interim Guidance for Local Authorities July 2008”

We identified the most economically disadvantaged areas of Kent by LSOAs (Lower Super Output Areas) where 25% of 3 & 4 year olds live and then we identified all the settings within those areas that we are inviting to participate - rather than attempting to identify individual children.

What flexibility is required?

At this stage it is not required that the entitlement is delivered flexibly. In Phase 2 there is a new framework called the Flexibility Framework.

In working towards the universal offer (Phase 2) the local authority will be encouraging participating providers in Phase 1 to deliver the 15 hours flexibly and to start getting all providers including maintained nurseries and nursery classes in schools to start thinking and planning to become flexible in the way they deliver the entitlement.