We are writing to give you an update on where we are with the preparation for implementation.

Just to remind you of the key dates:

	September 2009 - Implementation of the extended and flexible offer for 3 and 4 year olds in the 30% disadvantaged areas
	April 2010 - Implementation of the single funding formula
	September 2010 - Implementation of the extended offer for all 3 and 4 year olds

The information sessions in the five Children's Services areas during November and December 2008 were well attended on the whole. Unfortunately the representation from schools with nurseries was low. As a result we are organising two further sessions, one in the Professional Development Centre (PDC) in Norwich and one in the PDC in King's Lynn. Dates and times are:

16^th March 2009 16.30 - 18.00 at West Norfolk PDC (Kings Lynn)
17^th March 2009 16.30 - 18.00 at Norwich PDC

As promised we are now in a position to share with you the areas we have selected for the implementation of the first phase of the implementation from September 2009. We have decided to go with settings and schools in the most disadvantaged areas rather than going with individual children across the county. Most settings and schools with nurseries in the Children's Centre areas will be included.

Please see attached list of schools, settings and Children's Centres.

There is an expectation that there will be flexible and extended provision available from September 2009 in these areas. This doesn't mean that all settings and schools need to provide everything. We will need to make sure that supply meets demand in each local Children's Centre catchment area and that the flexible extended entitlement is available to those children whose parents want them to access it.

To help us with the planning of this, colleagues from the local area teams will organise local Children's Centre Catchment meetings to discuss and plan with you the best way forward.

The full implementation for all 3 and 4 year olds will be from September 2010.

In April 2010 the single funding formula will be implemented. Between now and then there will be formal and informal consultation. We will use the local area meetings to share and discuss with you our thinking and draft proposals.

If you have further questions please contact your local area early years team.