Childcare providers- how are you approaching the new funding?

[KateyCuckoo]

Assuming it still goes ahead, are you reevaluating your funding policy or just applying your existing one for 3/4 year old funding?

Have you found anywhere online to discuss or read other's policies to help me get started? I have a rough idea of what my offer might look like but it's very difficult at the moment when we don't know what our rate will be from the LA.

Maybe I'm thinking too early but it feels like a huge undertaking and frankly parents are driving me mad asking!

Look forward to hearing from other providers who are thinking ahead.

Bump

I know there's other childminders here, also any preschools or nurseries able to share advice?

I am sticking with my current policy and pricing structure until we know more.

until I get confirmation from the LA on how things are going to work I’ve not made any decisions. I will likely do what I’m already doing though. Without voluntary contributions however I won’t be in business for too long as the funding rate is so poor for 3 and 4 year olds.

what concerns me is, the funding rate for 2 year olds looks to be higher but then when the child turns 3 the rate is £1.50 less than my usual hourly rate. Who on earth is going to want to pay a contribution after they’ve been receiving the magical ‘free’ hours?

in all honesty, I’ve started putting feelers out for a new job. The pressure from Ofsted coupled with the fight to be paid properly for funded hours. Also the fact that our area doesn’t pay funding monthly is all just getting too much. I’m tired of jumping through hoops with the LA for the poor funded hours. I’m tired of the extra work involved which will just explode when every child is funded!

Until it's been formalised I don't think we can make a decision. I do think that with a falling school role the government are planning to get all 3 year olds into school leaving the private sector to have children under 3.

I'm guessing your insurers will be offering sample policies (pacey, childcare) once they know how it's going to work.