Issue - meetings

Issue - meetings

Early Years Central Expenditure approval for 2018/19 and update on the 2017/18 spend

Meeting: 29/01/2018 - SCHOOLS FORUM (Item 11)

11 Early Years Block update pdf icon PDF 77 KB

 

To receive an update on the Early Years Block allocation for 2018/19.

 

Minutes:

 

The Schools Forum considered a report on the Early Years Block allocation for 2018/19.

 

Points and comments included:

 

·         It was felt that the risks outlined in the report understated the current financial position of the Early Years Block.

·         Paragraph 8 of the reported stated that whilst £300k was centrally retained, it was distributed to settings and schools to support the inclusion of 3 & 4 year old children. There were now 2/3/4 year olds in schools who were not receiving money from the High Needs Block.

·         The Head of Early Intervention/Prevention advised the Forum that discussions had taken place about the possibility of equalising the base rate in line with the Early Years National Funding Formula. This had been agreed in principle but finances did not allow this option to be taken forward.

·         The Head of Early Intervention/Prevention explained that the £300,000 was inclusion money for 3 and 4 year olds undertaking education who would not be able to attend the setting without this support.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.    that the allocation of the Early Years Block for 2018/19 be noted.

 

2.    that the retention centrally for 2018/19; Early Years SEND Advisory Team (formerly funded through High Needs Block) £225K and Early Years Inclusion Funding £300K be approved.

 

3.    that an update on the Early Years Block be given at the June meeting of the Forum.