Contact: Maggie Macdonald, Head of Corporate Early Education and Childcare Unit, Extn3872

1 Summary

1.1 The following decisions are sought:

That grants to these voluntary organisations are approved and funded through the Sure Start Direct Grant to assist in the delivery of the Sure Start Strategic Plan.

That a further report is presented for consideration, outlining a proposal to use the savings made within the County Council's budget for early years centres,

That from 2006 services to support the work of the Early Education and Childcare Unit will be commissioned following a tender process where appropriate.

2 Reason

This decision supports:

Aim 1 of the Corporate Strategy (maximising life opportunities) by providing services for young children and their families.

Aim 3 of the Corporate Strategy,(achieving economic prosperity), by providing early education, childcare and playwork career and training opportunities for local communities and supporting the development of new, small businesses as early education and childcare providers.

Aim 4 of the Corporate Strategy, (building strong and safe communities), by the early preventative work that takes place with children and young people in early education and out of school childcare settings.

Aim 5 of the Corporate Strategy, (improving services), particularly by the development of integrated services for young children and families by supporting the work of the Early Years Centres.

Aim 6 of the Corporate Strategy, (Developing Councillors and staff), by providing many training, networking and planning opportunities provided by the Early Education and Childcare Unit.

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

Not applicable.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

None

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee -

Not applicable

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent -

Not applicable

Approved by: Date:

........................................

Councillor D A Kirk

Executive Member for Education