Issue - meetings

Report CEF21035

The Childcare Act 2006 Section 6 placed duties on local authorities to ensure sufficient childcare for working parents. Local authorities were also required to report to elected council members on how they are meeting this duty and make a report available to parents.

In opening the discussion, the Chairman thanked Officers for the detailed reported that had been provided.

In response to a question, the Head of Early Years, School Standards and Adult Education reported that during the period of lockdown Early Years Settings had provided a range of home learning both in packs and online.  Once settings reopened some vulnerable children continued to shield and settings provided ongoing additional support.

The Director of Education highlighted that throughout the pandemic the Department had continued to provide early years support to settings and by extension to families.

In response to a question concerning how early years provision could be taken into account through planning processes, the Director of Education confirmed that proposals for the Charging Schedule for the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) were yet to be determined and the Education Department would propose that Early Years provision was a consideration for capital funding.  The Council’s role in the provision of early years education was primarily one of stimulator of the market and the Department continued to work with current providers as well as seeking new providers to come forward.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.