Do all providers have to offer more flexible provision from now on?
Flexible provision needs to be driven by parental demand. We are not forcing any provider to change its pattern of provision but clearly providers who continue to offer very rigid provision may not be attractive to parents who want greater flexibility. It has been the experience of our current pathfinders that there is usually some way to increase flexibility in settings where opening 8am-6pm is not possible, by offering an after-school club, or opening 30 minutes earlier or over the lunch period. Linking up with another provider, such as a childminder, could also make the provision more flexible.
