To approve a model Herefordshire Nursery Education Funding (NEF) Agreement to support implementation of the 30 hours free entitlement to nursery education for two, three and four year olds, which commenced on 1 September 2017.

That:

(a)  the draft Herefordshire Nursery Education Funding Agreement 2017 (at appendix 1) be approved; and

(b)  the director for children’s wellbeing be authorised to take all necessary operational decisions to complete agreements with relevant providers, within approved funding allocations.

There are no alternative options as it is a statutory duty to deliver two, three and four year old nursery education funded places (Early Education and Childcare Statutory Guidance - September 2014) and ensure there’s enough childcare settings to meet parental demand. The 30 hours free childcare offer started on 1 September 2017.