Issue - meetings

(Report of the Director of Children’s Services. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children). The report provides information on a proposed funding formula which seeks to achieve an affordable, sustainable and viable outcome whilst also delivering sufficient, good quality early education places in the areas where they are needed. The report also outlines the approach being taken in Haringey to the development and delivery of the programme.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children, which provided information on a proposed funding formula for the delivery of affordable, sustainable and viable outcomes whilst also delivering sufficient, good quality early education places in areas where they were required.

It was noted that, at the request of the School’s Forum, a copy of the minutes of their meeting held on 3 July 2013 had been circulated to Cabinet Members.

RESOLVED:

1. That plans to expand the number of good quality places for eligible two year olds in all types of provision, ensuring that there are sufficient and sustainable places in Haringey from September 2013, be endorsed;

2. That the two-tier model, to support access to programme places for the most vulnerable children within the programme, be endorsed;

3. That the outcomes of consultation with the Schools Forum and other stakeholders be noted;

4. That approval be given to the flat rate formula of £5.18 an hour to fund all new places from September 2013;

5. That a payment of £5.74 an hour for each of the current 280 places for the autumn and spring terms be approved in order to secure these places be approved;

6. That the criteria to be applied to the future use of the capital funding be endorsed;

7. That it be noted that officers would provide a further report on the delivery of early education in Haringey, including the two year old programme, following the outcome of current Government consultations on proposed changes to the role of Local Authorities in Early Education and Childcare, the statutory guidance for delivery of the free entitlement for two, three and four year olds and once the subsequent requirements on the Local Authority became clear; and

8. That it be noted that an Early Years Strategy would be completed and presented for Cabinet’s consideration later in 2013.

Alternative Options Considered

None – this is a statutory requirement under the Childcare Act 2006.

Reasons for Decision

Haringey Council has a statutory duty from September 2013 under the Childcare Act 2006 to offer free early education to all children from the term after they turn two if their family circumstances would qualify for free school meals; and/or they are looked after children. In meeting this duty, the Council is also required to introduce a single formula for funding these early education places. The decision is required in order for the Council to be able to meet its statutory duties from September 2013.