Agenda item - Childcare Sufficiency Assessment

Report of the Executive Director for Families, Children & Learning (copy attached)

Contact Officer:         Vicky Jenkins                       Tel:      29 - 6110

Ward(s) affected:      All Wards

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment (CSA) (Appendix 1) be noted.

2.    That the CSA be published to parents and childcare providers and that childcare providers are supported to offer tax free childcare.

3.    That additional support and inclusion funding for children with SEND for 2019/20 onwards is reviewed as well as information for parents with a specific focus on SEND and children in more disadvantaged families.

52.1      The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Families, Children & Learning which provided members which provided members with an update regarding childcare sufficiency in Brighton & Hove, parent’s views of childcare in the city and the national and local policy context. The report was introduced by the Childcare Strategy Manager – Free Entitlement.

52.2      Councillor Phillips noted the difficulties in provision of ad hoc childcare due to the high cost. Emphasis on the positivity of the recommendations was conveyed and noted that it was indicative of the impact of repeated cutes in both PAC and Maze.

52.3      The Childcare Strategy Manager – Free Entitlement stated that BHCC were involved with the development of extended day provision around new hubs in Brighton & Hove in regards to SEN. It was further stated that there was extra provision for older SEN children however it was noted that flexibility was costly.

52.4      Adam Muirhead stated that PAC concerns with lay largely with the extended day and noted that children could end up using the hub as an after school club. It was further enquired if officers from BHCC and PAC would work together to make sure parent carers were included in consultations.

52.5      The Childcare Strategy Manager – Free Entitlement stated that PAC had been consulted on the issue of funding. It was noted that many issues expressed were largely linked to budgets. It was clarified that BHCC did not directly provide out of school care provision however did offer sustainability and inclusion funding.

52.6      Councillor Marsh sought clarification of support through universal credit increases and further enquired how many people in care actually received the necessary help in regards to East Sussex.

52.7      The Childcare Strategy Manager – Free Entitlement stated that funding was for free entitlement of free sessions for 2-4 year olds. There had been adjustments to area cost adjustments to East Sussex. It was noted that in regards to distribution a certain amount of money was provided for children in the most deprived areas of the City. It was emphasised that the implementation of Universal Credit was still in its primary stage.

52.8      The Chair noted that letters had been written regarding the proper area cost adjustment to MPs and necessary parties.

52.9      Councillor O’Quinn referred to agenda item 5.7 and noted that the completion of the survey by 450 people appeared to signify that a lot of people may not have engaged with this due to a general approval. It was further noted that this was still a significant drop.

52.10   The Chair noted the comments and put the recommendations to the vote.

52.11   RESOLVED:

(1)       That the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment (CSA) (Appendix 1) to the report be noted;

(2)       That the CSA be published to parents and childcare providers and that childcare providers be supported to offer tax free childcare; and

(3)       That additional support and inclusion funding for children with SEND for 2019/20 onwards be reviewed as well as information for parents with a specific focus on SEND and children in more disadvantaged families.