Agenda item

The report was to consult with Schools Forum on the 2016/17 Early Years Block. It was noted that the 2016-17 EYB has been prepared on the same basis as the previous year. The only exception to this was the introduction of a sustainability factor within the early years funding formula to ensure the continued viability of nursery schools.

It was noted that a full consultation / review was not carried out in order to make this change. However, it was agreed that the criteria would be amended to include a reference to education / early years’ professional input when considering nursery schools for this funding.

It was suggested that PVIs ought to be included in a future review to ensure that they can respond to the need for increased provision as Slough faces a real challenge in increasing provision

The Early Years Block budget for 2016-17 is £11.367m which includes £150k for Early Years Pupil Premium for 3 and 4 year olds.

Rachel Cartwright made a number of comments on Appendix A (Early Years Block - Indicative budget for 2016-17) and George Grant agreed to amend this and to circulate a revised version with corrections.