Nursery World - Childminders speak out on related children funding ban

The ongoing issue of childminders being unable to claim early
education funding has come under the spotlight again, after Lancashire
County Council was forced to back down on plans to stop the free
entitlement for children related to nursery staff at their setting.

As Nursery World reported (6-19 April), just before Easter nurseries in Lancashire were told that the council planned to stop children related to any staff from receiving free early education funding available for two-, threeand four-year-olds. However, while Lancashire County Council has changed its mind on nurseries, the Department for Education (DfE) has said that the rule currently applies to childminders across the board (see box).

Sue Blackman, from the West Midlands, has been registered as a childminder for almost 30 years. She is also a grandparent to Naomi, two-and-a half, who she has cared for since Naomi was ten months old. She will be three in September and will be eligible for funding in January 2016.

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