Agenda item

Atul Lad presented a report to inform the Schools Forum of the proposed Early Years Block budget for 2014-15.

Atul noted the Early Years Block for three and four year olds has been estimated at £9,147,255 based on January 2013 numbers;  £3,130,366 for two year old places and £1,111,090 carried forward from 2013/14.

Jean Cameron explained the reason for the carry forward was that 2 year old eligibility did not kick in until September 2013 and awareness of places was slower than expected, with only 60% of the target 450 places taken up. She said that the carry forward next year is likely to be less as there is major marketing to raise awareness and there are changes in criteria of eligibility which will include families on working tax credit. Jean Cameron asked for schools’ support in raising awareness and will circulate information to schools. 

Gillian Coffey asked if Jean could confirm that there will be no shortage of places as the target is rising to 1073 and she said that they are looking at how to provide the places.

There was discussion about the implications of the new requirement for primary schools in relation to free school meals for KS1 pupils. Steve Elson noted that it may be that a grant will be available but there is no information as yet from the DfE. Schools Forum agreed to keep an eye on the implications of free schools meal as there may be revenue issues.

Schools Forum agreed the recommendations to note the estimated Early Years Block for 2014-15 and agreed the carry forward into 2014/15 for two year old funding.

Schools Forum also agreed the two central expenditure items shown in the Appendix of the report: £41,070 for Behaviour Support and £1,428? for Trades Union duties.