To note the update on the activity of the Early Years Reference Group and to agree the proposed funding changes.

The Forum received a report which provided an update on the activity of the Early Years Reference Group and asked for agreement to the proposed funding changes.

It was noted that the number of two year olds eligible for free places was 913 names, according to most recent data, however only 647 had taken up the offer as at the Autumn term.  It was noted that most parents do not believe that this is an actual offer.  A considerable publicity campaign has been launched including: posters, side of bus advertising, back of bus tickets and nationally there has been advertising on the back of Argos receipts.  In addition, social media via Twitter and Facebook have been launched by Central Bedfordshire Council’s Communications Team.

The Head of Child Poverty and Early Intervention provided the Forum with an overview of the work carried out by the Early Years Reference Group over the past year.  In particular the following areas were highlighted:

·                Biggest 2 year old initiative

o    Ensuring the original target of 20% (449) places for the most deprived 2 year olds from September 2013;

o    From September 2014, this will be 40% (889) places

o    Providing the places was not the difficulty but rather finding children to use the places

o    Autumn 2014 approximately 647 places taken up

The Forum noted that there had been no change to the overall funding formula however minor changes in the funding level had been noted during 2013.  There was a one off payment of an additional 10p per child/hour in the base rate paid, due to available carry forward.  It was noted that the formula had remained static since its introduction. 

From 2014/15 it was agreed that an additional 5p per child/hour be added to the base rate, which the Early Years Reference Group considered at its June meeting.  It was noted that there was a funding difference between Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI) groups and Schools, with Schools receiving a lower rate.  Schools received an amount for a senior manager post and payments for rates, utilities and administration as part of a school formula, whilst PVIs received this as a lump sum.   The lump sum was deem inappropriate and removed.  It was proposed to increase the hourly rate, from April 2015, by 5p per child per hour for PVIs and 15p per child per hour for schools.  The table in paragraph 6 of the report sets out the new rates. 

The Group met and approved the local agreement in line with the new national framework for two, three and four year olds with effect from September 2014.  It is anticipated that a further changes will be made in September 2015 to the EYFS in relation to Out of School clubs, ratio and qualification requirements and increasing the registration requirement to 3 hours.

The Group had received reports from the Support Strategy which provided intensive support for setting which require improvement.  Central Bedfordshire had a higher level of good and outstanding outcomes compared to our neighbours, statistical neighbours and national average.

The Group ran both a two half day Two Year Old Conference in November 2014 and held network meetings for the schools and childminders taking Two Year old children.  Subjects covered were: Literacy and Communication (Spring), Fun on a shoestring (summer) Ofsted and Partnerships (autumn).

The Childcare Funding Panel had met on two occasions since March 2014 and approved the following funding:

Inclusion:                              £48,296

New Childcare Places:       £46,200 (including places for 2 year olds)

Quality Improvements:        £24,657

Sustainability:                       £38,500

Capital for Two year old Expansion: £447,330

RESOLVED

1.         That the report on the activity of the Early Years Reference Group be noted.

2.         That the increase in base funding rates be agreed.