Summary

Playcentres are not eligible for 20 Hours ECE funding, as they are parent-led services.  This paper assesses the extent that the 20 Hours ECE scheme may have affected Playcentres as a result.  It draws heavily on a survey questionnaire sent to a sample of Playcentres towards the end of 2007. It also uses data collected through the annual RS61 census and the Ministry's funding systems to see how recent changes differ from long-term trends.

The paper begins by briefly discussing the survey.  It then analyses the different parts of the survey questionnaire, also using any other data available.  This is done using the following headings:

• Change in participation
• Reasons given for enrolment change
• Impact of 20 Hours ECE take-up rates
• Views on the overall impact of 20 Hours ECE
• Ability to meet supervisory requirements
• Changes in parent contributions
• Changes made in response to 20 Hours ECE.

Finally, the paper draws the various findings together into a conclusion.  Readers who are less interested in the detail of the analysis may wish to skip to this.