Minutes:
Forum was reminded that the Early Years rate increases, effective 1 April 2020, had been shared at the previous meeting.
Michael Jarrett reported that the local Early Years sector’s response to the pandemic had been ‘phenomenal’, with all providers having remained open during the lockdown. This had involved nurseries and all ten Children’s Centres continuing to offer their services.
It was noted there had been an incremental increase to approximately 52% take up which was mirrored nationally. There were continued concerns about the sustainability of providers who were being heavily subsidised which had been discussed with the DfE. This included anxiety amongst child minders who also required wrap-around care funding. Work had commenced on a campaign to promote the entitlement to places and the advantages of Early Years learning, which included advertising on a bus. To date, feedback from the DfE had been favourable.
The Early Years Task Group would meet towards the end of this calendar year: any Schools Forum member wishing to join was welcome to do so.
10.00am: Maxine Wood and Kathleen Higgins left the meeting