Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Executive Director People and Neighbourhoods (Director of Children’s Services).

The report provides an update of the programme of work that has supported the introduction of the expanded childcare policy which has two elements including ‘an expansion of funded entitlements for working parents of children aged 9 months to 3 years’ and the ‘increased access to wraparound childcare for all school aged children commencing from September 2024.

The Scrutiny committee is asked to note the content of the report.

Officer contact: Glenda Brocklehurst | glenda.brocklehurst@stockport.gov.uk and LJ Woodward | LJ.woodward@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Director People and Neighbourhoods (Director of Children’s Services) submitted a report (copies of which ahd been circulated) providing an update of the programme of work that has supported the introduction of the expanded childcare policy which has two elements including ‘an expansion of funded entitlements for working parents of children aged 9 months to 3 years’ and the ‘increased access to wraparound childcare for all school aged children commencing from September 2024.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members welcomed the report and thanked the officers for the level of details contained within the report.

·       Members enquired about the ability to meet the potential demand for under 2s and the ratios for children. In response, it was stated that the changes came in with the early years foundation state requirements and allowed for flexibility for a 1 to 5 ratio for staff and 2 year olds.

·       Clarification was sought regarding whether or not non-parents knew about the scheme and was there a way to advertise it. It was noted that non working parents were aware of the scheme and the 2 year old offer has been available for a number of years now and there has been a high take up of the offer.

·       It was stated that across the country there would be an extra 3,000 classes created to deal with the demand for places.

·       It was commented that a lot of work goes into ensuring the provision in Stockport meets the legal and regulatory requirements which was appreciated.

·       Members enquired about the response rate for the surveys and was it represented across the community and what the 15 free hours really meant for a parent. In response, it was stated that providers were allowed to charge for consumables and various other things in the nursery and it was their right to do that, however, the DfE has picked up on the changes and are trying to respond to those changes. Parents can also enquire about the charges through the Council and it would be looked at through the individual cases depending on the provider.

·       In relation to the survey, there was a statutory requirement to do an early years census and there is a requirement to respond as part of the funding agreement which equates to 100% response rate.

·       Clarification was sought regarding the wraparound care provisions in Stockport. In response, if provision is registered with Ofsted it would be inspected by Ofsted, but if it was a school provision and linked to the school that it would be part of the school inspection. Wraparound provision does provide care and stimulating and exciting activities for children, it would not be school but operates as an extracurricular activity with refreshments and tailored to the interests of the child and children would be able to do homework as well as there are quiet spaces provided for that provision.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.