Issue - items at meetings - Update on Childcare for Two Year Olds and Provision for the East of the City

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

1.         That the committee notes work being undertaken to develop proposals for capital spend.

2.         That the committee notes the CSA and agrees to its publication.

3.         That the committee agrees to the proposal set out in the Part II paper

10.1               The Committee considered a report of the Interim Director of Children’s Services that explained the work being carried out in light of central government’s extension of free childcare to 20% of two year olds in September 2013 and 40% in September 2013. It also provided further information on the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment (CSA) completed in March 2013 that set out childcare supply in Brighton & Hove.

10.2               Councillor Simson asked if children were disadvantaged by the lack of childcare provision in some areas.

10.3               The Early Years & Childcare Strategy Manager clarified that whilst there was no sign of the lack of childcare provision causing disadvantages; there were areas in the city where there was less choice of childcare

10.4               Councillor Lepper noted that it appeared the highest provision of childcare was based within smaller, more affluent wards. Councillor Lepper asked what could be done to improve this.

10.5               The Early Years & Childcare Strategy Manager replied that a review of the data on where eligible children were likely to live had been identified. In turn, this would provide clarity to discussions regarding expansion with local childcare providers.

10.6               RESOLVED-

1.         That the committee notes work being undertaken to develop proposals for capital spend.

2.         That the committee notes the CSA and agrees to its publication.

3.         That the committee agrees to the proposal set out in the Part II paper