funding for 2 1/2 year olds....

[bumpybecky]

we've been told our preschool won't be getting the funding for 2 1/2 year olds until September 2010 so don't have access to all the info, but as Treasurer I'm trying to forward financial plan a bit so can anyone tell me...

is the funding for 2.5 year olds paid at the same rate as that for 3 year olds?

are the birthday cut off points 6 months before the beginning of the term date? so funding for those starting in September would be birthdays before 1st March etc

are the Ofsted ratios the same as they are now? so 1:8 for over 3s and 1:4 for under 3s (if that's correct!)

is there anything else I need to know?!

thanks hugely in advance

I didn't know you could get funding for under 3s.

Will be watching with interest

I think I've confused myself now!

I think the September 2010 date might be for the 15 hours funding for 3 and 4 yo. I know they've discussed funding for 2.5yo but at a later date.

Some authorities are already piloting funding for their most 'disadvantaged' 2 year olds and other authorities will begin piloting the funding soon.

There is talk of extending this funding, but afaik there is nothing concrete.

You are correct re the 15 hours though - Free Early Years Entitlement (NEG funding) will be increasing from 12.5 hrs to 15 hrs in all authorities from Sept 2010 for 3 and 4 year olds