Agenda item

Presented by: Alison Kenny, Early Education and Learning Improvement Team Leader

Alison Kenny, Early Education and Learning Improvement Team Lead, School Improvement Service, provided information to the Committee on the Early Education and Early Years Teams, School Improvement Service.

The Early Years Consultants Team were reported to provide support to the private, voluntary and independent (PVI) childcare settings around the quality improvements in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).  It was confirmed that 95% of the PVI settings were judged as good or outstanding by Ofsted.  Members were informed that the focus of Ofsted inspections in these settings included leadership and management, safeguarding, wellbeing and the quality of the learning environment.

The Quality Childcare Development Team was reported to provide targeted work to newly registered childminders and settings and those due to be inspected to offer support and guidance. 

Members were advised that the ratios for childminders were dependent on the child's age and that the team work with newly registered childminders to understand these ratios.

In response to a query regarding complaints, members were assured that any complaint from parents would go to Ofsted in the first instance.  Ofsted will then advise the team so that the service can target work with that setting or childminder.

Members were informed that from September 2017, the Free Early Education (FEE) funding would be increased to 30 hours.  As a result of this, there could be additional pressure to ensure there would be enough childcare.  The team were reported to be currently working with the sector to plan for this.  Members were assured that the market has always met demand and this was likely to continue. 

The Safeguarding Officer post was reported to have an active role in serious case reviews (SCR) as well as supporting settings offering safeguarding advice. Members questioned whether one post was sufficient to carry out these duties effectively and were assured that safeguarding also plays a significant part of both the Early Years Consultants and Quality Childcare Development teams.  In addition, this role worked closely with the Safeguarding Team and the Early Education and Early Years Team Leader for the SCR work.

The Childcare Sufficiency Officer role was reported to be assisting with the preparation for the 30 hours FEE funding as part of the overall work to ensure childcare sufficiency in Lancashire.  Members were informed that school readiness formed part of this role.  In response to a query relating to the children's centre proposal, it was confirmed that there may be some impact on childcare settings which are currently based in children's centres and information has been fed back into the wider property strategy.

It was reported that in addition to providing support, advice and guidance to parents on childcare in Lancashire, the Family Information Service also had a key role in signposting parents to a number of services. 

Resolved:  That

1. Officer be thanked for the report and attendance at the meeting.

  ii.  The report be noted.

  iii.  The Committee's concerns and comments be noted.

  iv.  A further report would be provided for the Committee in November.