Issue - meetings

From 1st September 2013 there will be a mandatory Early Years Entitlement for a cohort of eligible 2 year old children as defined by guidance and criteria provided by the Department for Education.  Cabinet will be asked to consider the council’s future responsibilities.

Councillor Nathan Hartley in proposing the item, explained that his intention was that by 2014 more 2-year-olds than ever before would be able to take advantage of Early Years entitlement.  There was evidence that these children do better in later life, and the Council had a duty to manage the market to ensure adequate provision.  The proposals would sign the Council up to existing government policy so that, by September 2014, 600 2-year-olds in the area would be entitled to 15 hours provision a week.  The government had yet to confirm the criteria for entitlement, but it was likely to be partly based on school meals criteria.

Councillor David Dixon seconded the proposal.  He was delighted that the 15 hours could in future be split over 2 full days instead of 3 part-time, so that parents would no longer be restricted to part-time jobs.

Councillor Tim Ball said he was very pleased to support the proposals, particularly since the provision in Twerton would be restored, giving greater choice to local people.

On a motion from Councillor Nathan Hartley, seconded by Councillor David Dixon, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To NOTE that the Council is fulfilling its statutory duty as required by the Education Act 2011 and DfE requirements;

(2) To NOTE that the Council in fulfilling the requirements relating to sufficiency of provision as required by the Childcare Act 2006 and any subsequent legislative amendments will do so with due regard to the resources required and available;

(3) To AGREE that the Council will continue to expand the scheme further by September 2014 in line with national requirements subject to decisions of the Council at its budget meeting in February 2013; and

(4) To APPROVE the use of a Section 106 payment enabling an increase in provision not previously listed as part of the Capital Programme.