Funding Follows the Child and the National Standard is the policy framework for the provision of funded early learning and childcare.
The operating guidance was originally published in 2018 ahead of the 1140 expansion, however interim guidance was created in 2021 and 2022 to take account of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and to afford some necessary flexibilities in the system.
Following engagement with stakeholders, the operating guidance has now been updated.
Updates are largely language, resources and links, but there are some more substantive updates about service improvement periods.
Two webinars in February will outline the updates and there will be space for questions.
Local authority leads 5 February webinar details here.
Funded providers 8 February webinar details here.
You can access the updated document by clicking here.