Agenda item

Report from the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People attached.

Councillor Smith introduced the report, highlighting the need to ensure sufficient early years provision in the system. The report also addressed upcoming changes related to childcare entitlements and the move towards school-based childcare preschools.

Councillor Smith emphasized that the local authority does not directly run early years services but works to ensure there is sufficient provision. The report noted that the local authority has always maintained sufficiency and quality, with most provisions rated good or better. The goal is to continue this trend and improve uptake of early years provision.

The report mentioned several initiatives to increase the number of childcare places, including applications for additional places and the registration of new nurseries. The local authority is also working to support the growth of good quality childcare across the board.

Councillor Farooq commented on the importance of early years provision for school readiness and working parents. She expressed support for the initiatives and looked forward to seeing them implemented.

A Councillor raised a question about challenging discriminatory practices in early years settings. The response highlighted that there are only so many places available, and the local authority works to utilize these places better. They also work with providers to ensure they meet requirements and challenge any discriminatory practices.

A member asked for examples of discriminatory practices and how they are addressed. The response provided examples such as parents reporting that their child with special educational needs (SEN) was unable to access certain nurseries. The local authority works with providers to understand their capacity and support them in managing risk and providing inclusive services.

Councillor Fitzgerald raised a question about the economic factors affecting childcare uptake and whether there is systemic discrimination. The response noted that individual complaints are addressed, but there is no systemic analysis of discrimination based on economic factors. The local authority focuses on ensuring that all entitled children can access childcare.

Councillor Fitzgerald also asked about the quality of childcare provision. The response assured that all current provisions are rated good or better by Ofsted. The challenge is to maintain these standards while increasing the number of places. The local authority supports providers from the initial inquiry through the registration process and ensures they meet quality standards.

A member commented on the importance of ensuring that children with SEN can access early years provision. The response highlighted ongoing work to support providers in meeting the needs of children with SEN and ensuring inclusive practices.

A Councillor enquired about the cost, availability, and quality of childcare as a national issue. The response acknowledged that these are significant challenges and emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality provision while increasing availability. The local authority is working on a childcare sufficiency assessment to identify gaps and support providers in addressing them.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the importance of early years provision for children's development and school readiness. The chair thanked the committee members for their contributions and emphasized the need to continue working towards improving early years sufficiency.

It was agreed:

·         The report be noted