Agenda item

Avril Allenby introduced the report which set out the proposal for the Early Years budget, which was based upon the recommendation of the Early Years Funding Group. The period of time for the Minimum Funding Guarantee (MFG) had come to an end and steps were being taken to reach the same common base for all providers.

Avril Allenby reported that various scenarios had been explored to provide the proposals included within the report. A realistic rate had been reached that was flexible and workable for providers. It was important to note that places were driven by the offers provided to parents and it was an area that was particularly difficult to predict.

Avril Allenby reported that there had to be a 95% pass through of funding to providers. It had been agreed that a quality supplement would be required.

All elements of funding had been reviewed including base rates, the rates for two year olds and the pupil premium, which for early years was particularly low and required top up funding to help increase take up.

The Early Years sector was impacted upon by what was offered to parents and it was becoming increasingly difficult for some providers to remain viable. Therefore focus on supporting the sector was required. Analysis had been undertaken on the sector which ranged from large day care provision to smaller voluntary organisations. Some providers had needed to close due to increasing funding pressures.

Ian Pearson noted that under the conclusion on page 45 of the report, there was a proposal that the Schools’ Forum agree the two year budget model for the Early Years Block. Ian Pearson stated that it was difficult to agree something that went beyond the financial year and therefore suggested an indicative model should be agreed.

Further work was required on the Pupil Premium to assess the impact and to ensure investment in the area was adding value.

The Chairman drew attention to the recommendations detailed under section two of the report.

David Ramsden proposed that the Schools’ Forum agree the two year indicative model for Early Years and this was seconded by Catie Colston. At the vote the motion was carried.

Suzanne Taylor proposed that the Schools’ Forum agree that the single base rate for all providers was increased from £4.30 to £4.40 and this was seconded by Patrick Mitchell. At the vote the motion was carried.

Brian Jenkins proposed that the Schools’ Forum agree that the funding rate for two year olds was increased to £5.65 and this was seconded by Suzanne Taylor. At the vote the motion was carried.

Brian Jenkins proposed that the Schools Forum agree the increase in the deprivation funding supplement allocated to the pupil premium pupils to make the total funding per hour £2, and this was seconded by Chris Prosser. At the vote the motion was carried.

As agreed, the Schools Forum considered the recommendation for agenda item eight regarding the final DSG budget 2019/20. Keith Harvey proposed that the Schools’ Forum agree the overall deficit budget in 2019/20 of £1,824,646 and this was seconded by John Hewitt. At the vote the motion was carried.

RESOLVED that

·         The Schools’ Forum agreed all the recommendations set out in section two of the report.

·         The Schools’ Forum agreed (as per the recommendation set out under section two of item eight - DSG Funding Settlement and Budget Overview 2019/20) an overall deficit budget for 2019/20 of £1,824,646.