Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval for a second tranche of Extended Schools Projects and for the process and criteria for bids from the Private, Voluntary and Independent sector to use the new “Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation”. 

Members received a report which sought approval for a second tranche of Extended Schools Projects and for the process and criteria for bids from the Private, Voluntary and Independent sector to use the new “Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation”. 

In relation to Extended Schools Capital, Members had the option to approve or not approve any of the recommended allocation of the Phase 2 Capital to the three additional projects at Wheldrake CE School, Headlands Primary School and Lord Deramore’s Primary School.  With regards to the Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation, Members had the options of approving or amending the process and criteria for bids from the Private, Voluntary and Independent sector to use the new “Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)           That, in relation to Extended Schools Capital, the three additional capital projects at Wheldrake CE School, Headlands Primary School and Lord Deramore’s Primary School be approved;

(ii)         That, in relation to the Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation, the process and criteria for bids from the Private, Voluntary and Independent sector to access this new capital grant be approved;

(iii)       To approve the addition in the Early Years Capital Grant Application Pro-Forma, in questions 4 and 6, of how the proposal would also benefit disabled and SEN children.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:(i) To ensure that the extended schools agenda in York continues to progress;

                          (ii) (iii) To further improve the quality and inclusiveness of our child care settings.

Members received a report, which sought approval for a second tranche of Extended Schools Projects and for the process and criteria for bids from the Private, Voluntary and Independent sector to use the new “Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation”. 

Officers reported that in June 2008 the DCSF had made available an additional £651k of extended school capital resources for York spread over the next 3 years. It was confirmed that three schemes had been worked up following the first phase of funding in readiness but that all schemes went through vigorous checks prior to approval.

It was reported that it was for the Local Authority to decide how best to use the new Capital Grant for maximum impact and value for money and that the new grant had three aims:

·        To improve the quality of the learning environment in early years settings to support delivery of the EYFS, with a particular emphasis on improving play and physical activities; and ICT resources

·        To ensure all children, including disabled children, are able to access provision

·        To enable PVI providers to deliver the extension to the free offer for 3 and 4 year olds and to do so flexibly.

In relation to Extended Schools Capital, Members had the option to approve or not approve any of the recommended allocation of the Phase 2 Capital to the three additional projects at Wheldrake CE School, Headlands Primary School and Lord Deramore’s Primary School.  With regards to the Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation, Members had the options of approving or amending the process and criteria for bids from the Private, Voluntary and Independent sector to use the new “Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation.

Members made the following points:

·        Would the proposed projects recommended for allocation of the Phase 2 capital still be top priority if all projects were re-examined;

·        The Capital Grant application pro-forma needed to request evidence to show how the proposals would also benefit disabled and SEN children.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)           That, in relation to Extended Schools Capital, the three additional capital projects at Wheldrake CE School, Headlands Primary School and Lord Deramore’s Primary School be approved; ^1.

(ii)         That, in relation to the Quality and Access Early Years Capital Grant Allocation, the process and criteria for bids from the Private, Voluntary and Independent sector to access this new capital grant be approved; ^2.

⁽ⁱⁱⁱ⁾           To approve the addition in the Early Years Capital Grant Application Pro-Forma, in questions 4 and 6, of how the proposal would also benefit disabled and SEN children. ^3.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:(i) To ensure that the extended schools agenda in York continues to progress;

                          (ii) (iii) To further improve the quality and inclusiveness of our childcare settings.