In its five-year strategy the Government has announced its plan to transform nursery education into 'educare'. This will allow families to use their 12 and a half hours of nursery education flexibly across the week, to meet their individual needs.
Anl illustration of the proposal is given in the strategy paper. Suzie's parents both work shifts. By reorganising Suzie's hours to fit her parents'
shift patterns and buying extra childcare on top, Suzie's family will be better off and Suzie will have continuity of care. It sounds like a good idea.
Unfortunately, it isn't. The proposal describes Suzie going for her free hours 'usually in the afternoon'. But anyone trying to provide quality group childcare will see the problem. It's important for children to make and sustain friendships at nursery. But if Suzie and all her friends have shifting patterns of attendance - a whole day on Monday, an hour on Tuesday, nothing on Wednesday, then two afternoons - these close relationships are going to be undermined. It will not be quality childcare, which depends on consistency and careful grouping.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
