Archived decisions

REPORT OF THE

EXECUTIVE MEMBER

EDUCATION

PART I

EARLY YEARS DEVELOPMENT AND CHILD CARE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 2003/2004

1. In February 2001, the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, in conjunction with the County Council, submitted to the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), an Early Years Development and Childcare Strategic Plan for 2001-2004. An annual Implementation Plan for 2002/2003 was approved by DfES in June 2002, resulting in the allocation of £2.2m childcare grant, the confirmation of £10.6m grant for 3 years olds early education and the allocation of other grants relating to the plan amounting to some £5.6m in total.

2. A new Implementation Plan must be submitted to DfES by 1 February 2003 for ministerial approval, in order for the funding for 2003/04 to be released. The Plan for 2003/04 has now been approved by the Partnership and by the Executive Member for Education. It sets out a range of strategic goals and targets relating to

· Funding for three year old children


· New childcare places


· Childcare places with childminders


· Childcare places in areas of disadvantage


· Neighbourhood nurseries


· Out-of-school places and projects


· Neighbourhood childminding


· Training and qualifications


· Quality Assurance


· Network of area special educational needs co-ordinators


The full plan as agreed, together with its appendices, has been placed in the Members' Room

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Early Years Development and Childcare Implementation Plan 2003/04 be approved.

8FR410103