Update from the Local Authority Lindsey Trivett Head of Service, Early Years, Childcare and Childrens Centres

Health & Well Being Offer PQQ process was launched on the 5th Sept 16. Ongoing work on supporting documentation. Staff briefings on the implications of BCC not being a Lead Organisation for centrally managed staff have taken place. Staff briefings for staff in BCC directly-delivered Children's Centres during September.

General Update A Cabinet paper on the Children’s Trust proposal is due to be discussed at 20th Sept Cabinet meeting. Ofsted now undertaking a full inspection of Birmingham’s services for children in need of help and protection, children looked after and care leavers. New corporate website www.birmingham.gov.uk DfE consultation launched on the future Early Years funding within the DSG. Closing date of 22nd Sept 16.

Focus Group activity SEND group report is in draft and will be shared at the end of September. Programme has been “hijacked” by the DfE funding consultation. Calendar has been revised and will be re-distributed redefining the focus of each session this week.

Childrens Centres & Parenting Support Planning documents assessed and revised where required. 12 of the 16 locality plans approved. Three more require minor amendments. Service variations to contracts being issued until Aug 17 to dovetail into new commissioned service. Contract monitoring process agreed and will be shared with centres at next Good Practice Day.

Childrens Centres & Parenting Support BCC Daycare review ongoing. Fees and charges report will be progressed this month with the overall report to Cabinet now in Nov. FYPS team are now working towards the implementation of the report from July. Current vacancies have been used to redistribute staff and staff hours to address imbalances within the city. Working towards the South FYPS being located in the South of the city within Chinnbrook CC

Early Education 2 YO EEE take-up in summer term to 58% (from 57% in Spring). 3 & 4 YO EEE take-up summer term 2016 was 89%(from 88% in Spring). Autumn term 80% payment made 12th September. EY Network funding for EEE – majority of plans submitted funding has been released. Non Submissions being followed up. Capital application submitted for 30 hrs. Comprised of 6 projects (4 schools and 2 PVI’s). Decision expected from DfE December 2016.

Early Education 30 hours planning underway and supported regionally by the DfE. Funding consultation document issued. LA to submit return and encouraging individual providers across sectors to engage. Deadline 22nd September 2016. Focus remains on 2 yr old take-up. Intensive focus on 4 low take-up areas.

Quality Improvement, SEND and Safeguarding EYC service re-design completed with a reduction of the team from 28 to 14. Childminder support now being delivered “in-house” following cessation of 4Children. Re-shaping work of team in-line with report presented in July. Establishing improved links to Early Years Networks from BCC.

Quality Improvement, SEND and Safeguarding Briefing being prepared for providers outlining structure and work of EYC team. Commissioned services contracts extensions have been approved and now being actioned. Ongoing work on developing a process for responding to children under 5 missing from education.

Questions……..?? Please feel free to use this update at networks etc. Contact us…… EYCC@birmingham.gov.uk Lindsey.Trivett@birmingham.gov.uk 0121 303 0282