An evaluation into how 19 local authority pathfinder areas aredelivering the extended 15-hour flexible entitlement revealed 'a smallnumber of examples' where it was unclear whether guidance - which statesthat parents cannot be charged for any part of the entitlement, eitherindirectly or directly - was being followed.
The report concludes that the DCSF 'reinforces and clarifies the Code ofPractice principles on top-up fees to local authorities and providerswhen the revised Code is published in September 2010'.
A spokesperson for the DCSF said, 'We have made it very clear to localauthorities that top-up fees linked to delivery of the free entitlementare completely unacceptable. The free entitlement is designed to offeraccessible, high- quality childcare to benefit all families. Parents andcarers should not be expected to top-up something that was created to beuniversally free.'
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
