The cost cutting measure could mean that new providers in Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland who apply for the pre-school education funding for three and four-year-olds may be refused it unless they can prove that there is demand, and they provide wrap-a-round care, of which there is a shortage in the area.
The plan is just one measure being considered by Dumfries and Galloway council, who are currently reviewing their pre-school provision partnership agreements.
If introduced, it would allow the local authority to concentrate on filling their remaining pre-school places now that demand for care has fallen as parents look for cheaper alternatives to full daycare.
Under the Scottish system, all three and four-year-olds are entitled to 12.5 hours a week of free nursery education, rather than the 15 hours in England.
A spokesperson for Dumfries and Galloway council said, ‘Decisions on new partnership agreements with private or voluntary providers are made on a case-by-case basis. A review is carried out, examining aspects such as local need/capacity, strength of business case, sustainability, sufficiency and childcare provision. The results of this review will then determine our decision.
‘We are currently reviewing our procedures in relation to pre-school provision partnership agreements.’
Ros White, owner of the Sparklers nursery chain in Scotland and chair of Dumfriesshire Private Nurseries Association, who are working with the local authority, told Nursery World that as an area the council should look at places where there is duplication of care but no wrap-around service.
