Issue - items at meetings - Early Years Capital

Report of the Director of Children’s Services (copy attached).

1.       That the development of the Preston Park Children’s Centre at the Fiveways Pre School Playgroup, off Florence Road, be agreed as per the proposals set out in the report.

2.       That the following allocations for the Early Years Capital Grant (full details as set out in annex 1 to the report, all subject to further local consultation) be agreed:

·       Stringer Playgroup, Surrenden Campus – up to £160,000

·       St Joseph’s Playgroup, Hollingdean- up to £50,000

·       Little Ducklings, Hangleton – up to £70,000

·       Roundabout Nursery – up to £200,000

·       Brighton Unemployed Centre – up to £90,000

·       Village Under Fives, Portslade – up to £300,000

·       Refurbishment and/or rebuilding of sport pavilions housing early years providers including Dolphins in Nevill Park, Hollingbury Park Playgroup and Westdene Playgroup subject to further assessments and local consultation – up to £790,000.

11.1    The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Director of Children’s Services regarding the Early Years Capital Grant, which sought agreement for allocating the Sure Start Early Years Capital Grant from the Department of Children, Schools and Families (for copy see minute book).

11.2    Officers briefly explained that this was the final phase of the distribution and the report proposed how the funds should be spent. It was also explained that the grant, which was to be spent over a 3 years period, would also be utilised to improve existing building and facilities.

11.3    The Cabinet Member indicated that she was aware of the poor conditions of the sports pavilions premises and was pleased to see the site included in these proposals. She further indicated that she was also mindful of the initial difficulties encountered with the Environment department and the issues around joint ownership. She indicated that officers had reassured her that negotiations were taking place and the process was moving forward. She requested that officers kept her up do date with any further developments.

11.4    The Opposition Spokesperson noted the proposed funds for each designated area and noted that the benefits for the most disadvantaged areas from this proposal would be visible.

11.5    The report was welcomed by the Cabinet Member and the Opposition Spokesperson. Members thanked the officers involved with this work and congratulated the team of officers for the enthusiasm shown in relation to it.

11.6    The Head of Service, City Early Years & Childcare, recorded a special mention to her colleague, Jewell Powell, who had been involved with the day to day negotiations of the process.

11.7    RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Member accepted the following recommendations:

(1)      That the development of the Preston Park Children’s Centre at the Fiveways Pre School Playgroup, off Florence Road, be agreed as per the proposals set out in the report.

(2)      That the following allocations for the Early Years Capital Grant (full details as set out in annex 1 to the report, all subject to further local consultation) be agreed:

·       Stringer Playgroup, Surrenden Campus – up to £160,000

·       St Joseph’s Playgroup, Hollingdean- up to £50,000

·       Little Ducklings, Hangleton – up to £70,000

·       Roundabout Nursery – up to £200,000

·       Brighton Unemployed Centre – up to £90,000

·       Village Under Fives, Portslade – up to £300,000

·       Refurbishment and/or rebuilding of sport pavilions housing early years providers including Dolphins in Nevill Park, Hollingbury Park Playgroup and Westdene Playgroup subject to further assessments and local consultation – up to £790,000.