The demographic and geographical issues that arise in rural areas have led to some innovative ways of expanding the availability of early learning and childcare, including peripatetic (mobile – moves from school to school) teaching services.

There are also provisions within the 2014 Act which allow for alternative arrangements to be made in relation to a child’s education and care for children accessing the 2 year old entitlement who are ‘looked after’, for the purposes of safeguarding or promoting their wellbeing. This means that the funded entitlement for 600 hours can be dis-applied if the local authority thinks, after making an assessment, another type of provision would better suit a child’s needs.