Issue - meetings

Report ED15035

The Forum was asked to consider proposed changes to the Early Years Funding Formula (EYFF). The EYFF had remained unchanged since its introduction in 2009, but with a number of changes to Early Years Funding it was proposed that Bromley’s formula be reviewed. The following changes were proposed for 2015/16 -

a)  Base rates to be increased to include funding for inclusion previously paid as a lump sum;

b)  Quality supplement to be based on an Ofsted outcome of Good/Outstanding outcome as opposed to the current combined requirement for staff qualifications and Ofsted outcome (as a result of this a greater number of settings will attract this funding);

c)  Flexibility supplement removed – this encouraged providers to offer the free places at times to suit parents and this has now largely been achieved;

d)  Deprivation supplement – will remain the same for 2015/16 but from 2016/17 will be based on deprivation as indicated by the EYPP;

e)  No changes to SEN.

Officers reported that modelling had shown that only a small number of settings would lose money, and these would be small amounts – the vast majority of settings would gain from the proposals. However, the proposals had been discussed at the Providers Forum earlier in the week and there had been concern at the impact of the removal of the flexibility supplement and the changes to the quality supplement, especially as they faced extra costs for employer pension contributions and administration.

In view of the concerns it was decided that further consideration was needed, and a special meeting would need to be held before the end of March. 

RESOLVED that consideration of the proposed Early Years Funding Formula be deferred to a special meeting.