Issue - meetings

Purpose of report

To provide the Cabinet Member with an initial summary and impact assessment, of the proposals contained within the consultation document issued by the Department for Education (DfE) on the 11^th August 2016 tilted: 'An early years national funding formula - And changes to the way the three-and-four-year-old entitlements to childcare are funded'.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member:

(1)  Note the Department for Education's proposed changes to the early years funding arrangements for three and four year olds and the potential impact of these changes, as set out within this report,

(2)  Note the submission of the response to the Department for Education's (DfE's) consultation, as shown at Appendix 1.

(3)  Note the areas of the existing local funding formula that are to be reviewed in response to the DfE's proposed changes; as set out in paragraph 7.16.

(4)  Endorse the proposed consultation process with early years childcare providers as set out in section 11.

(TAKE IN REPORT)

The report was introduced by Richard Webb, Finance Manager.  Anthony Harper, Service Manager - Children's Centres and Childcare Development was also present for this item to answer questions.  In response to a question, officers advised that current parents and children are not expected to notice any difference in their provision as a consequence of the DfE's proposed funding changes. However, Portsmouth as a whole is anticipated to benefit positively as a result of the DfE's proposed funding formula changes. 

DECISION: the Cabinet Member

(1)  Noted the Department for Education's proposed changes to the early years funding arrangements for three and four year olds and the potential impact of these changes, as set out within the report,

(2)  Noted the submission of the response to the Department for Education's (DfE's) consultation, as shown at Appendix 1.

(3)   Noted the areas of the existing local funding formula that are to be reviewed in response to the DfE's proposed changes; as set out in paragraph 7.16.

(4)  Endorsed the proposed consultation process with early years childcare providers as set out in section 11.