Agenda item

(To receive a report from Michelle Andrews (Service Manager – Early Years and Childcare Support), which shares with the Schools' Forum the Local Authority's position in relation to meeting its statutory duties in relation to the Department for Education guidance for early years and childcare 2016/17 and provides an overview of Lincolnshire's priorities for 2017/18)

The Forum gave consideration to a report from Michelle Andrews (Service Manager – Early Years and Childcare Support), which provided the Local Authority's position in relation to meeting its statutory duties in relation to the Department for Education guidance for early years and childcare for 2016/17; and also provided an overview of Lincolnshire's priorities for 2017/18.

In the absence of the Service Manager – Early Years and Childcare Support, a joint verbal presentation of the report presented was received from Geraldine O'Neill (Lead Consultant Early Years Entitlement) and Viki Thomas (Lead Adviser for Early Years Improvement).

In guiding the Forum through the report, officers made reference to the following points:-

·         The greatest change within the sector during 2016 was the government's review of the Early Years National Funding Formula (EYNFF).  In December 2016, the outcome of the consultation was released.  Following this Lincolnshire had reviewed the local funding arrangements and this had been implemented with effect from April 2017;

·         Early Years and Childcare (EYCC) support was continuing to provide information, monitoring, challenge and training opportunities to all early years and childcare providers within Lincolnshire.  EYCC also continued to deliver Leadership and Management Briefings;

·         That 2 year old early education entitlement in Lincolnshire had increased to 78% with 2,348 children accessing a funded place.  It was reported that a joined up approach to outreach had been developed between EYCC, locality teams and partners to ensure the most effective methods were used to support families to access their child's entitlement;

·         It was reported that actual data from the spring term 2017 had shown the equivalent of 2,236 children in Private, Voluntary or Independent sector; and that an additional 418 children in schools qualified for EYPP.  It was highlighted that this was significantly higher than the government had predicted; and as a result of this basis, the Department for Education was committed to review the delivery mechanism for EYPP to ensure appropriate levels of funding were allocated to Local Authorities;

·         The Forum was advised that from April 2017, 3 and 4 year olds would be eligible for Disability Access Funding (DAF) if they met the eligibility criteria. It was highlighted that 66 children had qualified so far;

·         It was reported that the government was committed to doubling the amount of free childcare from 15 to 30 hours a week for working parents of three and four year olds, from September 2017.  It was highlighted that 97% of 3 and 4 year olds accessing Early Years Entitlement in Lincolnshire; approximately 40% were accessing more than 15 hours childcare per week.  It was highlighted further that there were 650 providers registered to deliver funded places in Lincolnshire.  The Forum noted that the impact of how the introduction of 30 hours might affect the market place when implemented was still unknown.  It was highlighted that early indications from childcare sufficiency assessment were that Lincolnshire was well placed to meet the demand for 30 hours;

·         Details of the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile (EYFSP), were contained on pages 45 and 46 of the report presented;

·         Quality of providers.  The Forum noted that when Ofsted had published its EYCC Statistics showing the overall effectiveness of registered early years and childcare providers, the data for Lincolnshire indicated that currently 93% of the providers were either 'Good' or 'Outstanding';

·         The Forum was advised that EYCC continued to support the development of early years and childcare workforce across Lincolnshire, to ensure that Managers/Leaders were able to drive forward continual improvements to improve outcomes for children in readiness for school;

·         Inclusion and Early Intervention – It was noted that inclusion support was provided by the Early Years Locality Teams with guidance and support from the School Readiness Hub within EYCC.  It was noted further that EYCC was committed to working in partnership with locality teams and other agencies across Lincolnshire to raise educational outcomes for young children.  Work was also being carried out with the Virtual School and the Specialist Teaching Team to develop a pathway of support to ensure the educational progress of Children Looked After was closely monitored; and

·         A question was asked as to how many early years' providers were rated as being Inadequate/Requiring Improvement in Lincolnshire.

Officers responded to questions raised which included the onset of the 30 hours from September 2017; and a concern was raised that some parents had still had not logged on; and was there an awareness of the procedure.  Officers confirmed that 1000 families had logged on and were aware of the log in code; however it was highlighted that there were 5000 families that were eligible.  Confirmation was given that there would be support to the sector; and that officers were happy to share the sufficiency assessment with the sector.

In conclusion, the Forum was advised that the service was well placed to support the early year's sector to continue to improve children's outcomes, support inclusive practice, school readiness and improve and maintain safeguarding practices within the county's Early Help strategy.  The schools forum was requested to support the 2017/18 priorities and core business proposals as set out on page 51 of the report.

RESOLVED

That the Annual Report 2016/17 for Early Years and Childcare Support be noted.

(Post meeting update: The number of early year's providers who were currently Inadequate/Requiring Improvement in Lincolnshire were:-

·         8 providers with an Inadequate Ofsted Judgement; and

·         21 Providers with a Requires Improvement judgement.)