Agenda item

          The Strategic Planning Manager submitted a report informing the Committee of work being undertaken as part of Swindon Borough Council’s role as an Early Implementer of the government initiative to offer working families ‘30 Hours Free Childcare’.  Mr Gareth Cheal, Strategic Planning Manager, referred to the work being undertaken by the Council in support of this initiative by Ms Fiona Le Bon, Early Strategic Lead and Children Commissioner.  Ms Le Bon advised that Swindon’s work as an Early Implementer had been recognised by Caroline Dineage, MP, Minister for Early Years and Equalities, and that the scheme was being rolled out nationally in September 2017. 

          Ms Le Bon confirmed that the number of children participating in the scheme had increased and uptake was now at 85 per cent of the available places.  She referred to the participants taking part in the trial, including Great Western Hospital and Thames Water Utilities, and advised that discussions were being undertaken with the Ministry of Defence staff take-up of this provision.  Members noted that the scheme was well received by parents and Ms Le Bon highlighted the challenges in meeting the anticipated demand and the work being undertaken to encourage further take up.  Mr Cheal commented on the Capital bid submitted to the Department for Education for a share of the £50m grant funding allocated to assist the delivery of the 30 Hour places by September 2017.

          Following their introduction of the report, Mr Cheal and Ms Le  Bon responded to members’ questions and comments in respect of the following matters:

• The inclusion of childminders in the scheme.
• The offer of weekend childcare.
• Reasons for the low take-up of the scheme at Great Western Hospital and if car parking problems at the Hospital were a contributing factor.
• How shift workers within the various participating groups were encouraged to take up the scheme.
• Marketing of the scheme to encourage take-up.
• The breakdown of how the £150K was being allocated. Members noted that the scheme was self-financing.
• Work of the Engagement Officer in assisting families where English was a second language.
• The current exclusion from the scheme of Teaching and Early Years staff.
• The scheme would be on offer to all families from September 2017.  This includes Teaching and Early Years staff with children.
• The participation in the scheme by the large nursery chains.
• The criteria for the scheme and confirmation that these would not change once it was implemented nationally.
• How any subsequent criteria change would affect parents of children with special needs.
• The availability of funding for providers to support children with special needs and their carers. 

          Resolved – (1) That the report be noted.

          (2) That the work being undertaken to inform and shape government policy be noted.

          (3) That the likely future demand from parents to access this entitlement when it was rolled out nationally from September 2017 be noted.

          (4) That the Strategic Planning Manager be requested to circulate a breakdown of where the 360 pupils accepting the 30 Hour places were attending and a list of the schools willing to develop additional provision.

          (5) That a vote of thanks to Ms Fiona Le Bon and Ms Danielle Maundrell, Education Place Planning Commissioner, be noted.