Issue - meetings

(i)       to welcome the expansion of Early Learning and Childcare to 1140 funded hours since 2021 which had included eighteen new building projects for ELC provision around the city;

(ii)       to welcome the survey which had seen significantly increased engagement with parents, carers and families and which helped to ensure that ELC provision met the needs of young people and their families; and to give thanks all who took part;

(iii)      to note that ELC delivery would continue to be monitored to ensure it was adapted to meet local demand; and

(iv)      to approve the amended Early Learning and Childcare delivery models, based on demand.

The Committee had before it a report by the Interim Director of Children’s and Family Services which presented options to rationalise Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings to match the Scottish Government Grant, as instructed by Council at the Budget meeting on 1 March 2023.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee consider the options presented and approve the amended Early Learning and Childcare delivery models, based on demand.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice Convener, moved:-

          That the Committee:-

(a)           welcome the expansion of Early Learning and Childcare to 1140 funded hours since 2021 which had included eighteen new building projects for ELC provision around the city;

(b)           welcome the survey which had seen significantly increased engagement with parents, carers and families and which helped to ensure that ELC provision met the needs of young people and their families; and to give thanks all who took part;

(c)           note that ELC delivery would continue to be monitored to ensure it was adapted to meet local demand; and

(d)           approve the amended Early Learning and Childcare delivery models, based on demand.

Councillor Grant, seconded by Councillor Blake, moved as an amendment:-

          That the Committee:-

(a)           consider the options presented and approve the amended Early Learning and Childcare delivery models, based on demand, subject to reinstating the 600 hours provision at Bramble Brae;

(b)           agree to refer this report to the next meeting of Finance & Resources Committee to seek approval to fund this decision in 2023/24 (£74,000) through the use uncommitted General Fund reserves, noting that this would reduce the value of uncommitted funds below the recommended minimum; and

(c)           agree to refer the need for continuing funding of £74,000 in 2024/25 (and full year effect of £118,000 in 2025/26) to the budget process as a cost pressure on the budget gap set out in the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, in recognition of the commitment to maintain provision at Bramble Brae.

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (15) – the Convener; the Vice Convener; Councillors Allard, Al-Samarai, Bouse, Brooks, Hazel Cameron, MacGregor, McLellan, McLeod and Mrs Stewart; and Mrs Cardno, Mr Crawford, Mr Murray and Mrs Smith; for the amendment (2) – Councillors Blake and Grant; absent from the division (1) – Miss Scott.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.