Early Learning and Childcare Provision ECSPB
Renfrewshire Council · 31 October 2024
Back to Education and Children's Services Policy Board — 31 October 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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To: Education and Children’s Services Policy Board On: 31 October 2024 Report by: Director of Children’s Services Heading: Early Learning and Childcare Provision 1. Summary 1.1 In line with the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, the Scottish Government’s Early Learning and Childcare Statutory Guidance, July 2021 (“Statutory Guidance”) places a duty on local authorities to ensure funded early learning and childcare (ELC) is made available to eligible children in their area. All children aged 3 and 4 and also some 2-year- olds are eligible to receive 1140 hours of ELC per year. 1.2 Renfrewshire Council has continued to implement the Scottish Government’s legislation to provide the entitlement to 1140 hours of free ELC in line with the statutory guidance noted above. 1.3 Data for both Renfrewshire Council and the wider data set for Scotland shows there are fewer children eligible for funded ELC than had been predicted, with a lower than anticipated national and local uptake of the entitlement to 1140 hours of free ELC. The Scottish Government has adjusted the funding approach for funded ELC, replacing the specific annual grant funding with an annual core quantum funding based on the numbers of eligible children. 1.4 The purpose of this report is to seek approval to engage with parents and carers on future delivery models of ELC provision in Renfrewshire Council establishments and to undertake a review of wraparound fee rates. _________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 The Education and Children’s Services Policy Board is asked to approve: - the proposed engagement with parents and carers with the purpose of informing a further report to Policy Board in January 2025 on ELC provision in Renfrewshire Council establishments; and - agree a review of wraparound fee rates in Renfrewshire Council ELC and childcare
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establishments as outlined in Section 6 of the report. __________________________________________________________________ 3. Background 3.1 The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 (Modification) Order 2021 amended the entitlement of ELC from 600 hours to 1140 hours, effective from 1 August 2021. The Scottish Government’s Early Learning and Childcare Statutory Guidance, July 2021 (“Statutory Guidance”) places a duty on local authorities to ensure that funded ELC is made available to eligible children in their area. 3.2 The current entitlement of 1140 hours can be claimed for all 3 and 4-year-old children and is available to eligible 2-year-olds as defined within the criteria laid out by the Scottish Government. 3.3 The 1140 hours 2021 expansion of ELC is underpinned by four key principles - quality, accessibility, flexibility and affordability. A key aim of the expansion is to raise the attainment of all children with a focus on giving children the best start in life and in narrowing the poverty related attainment gap. These 4 key principles are fully reflected in Renfrewshire Council’s delivery of ELC. 3.4 Data from across Scotland shows that there are fewer children eligible for funded ELC than previously predicted. In line with the national picture, the uptake of ELC places in Renfrewshire Council area has been lower than originally estimated, with an average of around 92% occupancy rate. The expectation is that the projected decline in birth rates will continue to impact the overall level of uptake. 3.5 The Scottish Government has provided additional funding to local authorities to support the expansion to 1140 hours from the previous entitlement of 600 hours. Since its introduction in August 2021 the expansion to 1140 hours was provided through a specific revenue grant allocation and distributed using a needs-based distribution methodology previously agreed by Scottish Ministers and COSLA Leaders. From 2024-25, the ring-fencing has now been removed and the full funding for ELC is included within the overall General Revenue Grant. 3.6 The table below shows the level of funding received from the Scottish Government (to support the expansion of 1140 hours) to Renfrewshire Council since August 2021. To date, the budget reduction has been met through reducing places in some Council ELC establishments in line with demand and need and reducing staffing levels. Financial Year Specific Grant Awarded to Renfrewshire (£) Reduction in Specific Grant (£) % Reduction 2021-22 21.883m - - 2022-23 18.716m 3.167* (14.5%) 2023-24 18.430m 0.286 (1.6%) * Grant Aided Expenditure was increased by £2m in 2022-23 so net reduction was £1.167m __________________________________________________________________ 4. Current ELC Delivery Models
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4.1 A mapping exercise of ELC provision was undertaken in the lead up to the 1140 expansion to guarantee available provision to meet entitlement and projected demand across Renfrewshire Council area and in each distinct geographical admission panel area. Currently there are 38 Council ELC establishments, 36 approved funded provider establishments and 12 childminders delivering the ELC entitlement. 4.2 The Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 ( 2014 Act), places a duty on local authorities to consult with on a 2 yearly cycle with representative populations of parents to gather information on demand, need and preferences relating to ELC and childcare for children aged 0 to 14 years. Consideration was also given to the data gathered from the Children and Young people consultation exercises to ensure that the models of delivery of ELC were aligned with parental need and expectation. 4.3 In line with key principles for the 1140 hours expansion, ELC provision was grouped into local geographical areas, across 10 admissions panel areas, to ensure accessible provision and choice of services for parents and carers. Each panel area has a range of providers (Council and Funded Providers) and options of delivery, including term time and 52 weeks per year, full day, and part-time places, as follows: - services which open between 8 am to 6 pm over the school year, 46 or 50 weeks; - services which open for a school day model over the school year; - specific options of 6 hours per day over 38 weeks (school day); - 8am to 6pm over 2.5 days for 50 weeks; or - 8 am to 1 pm or 1 pm to 6 pm over 45.6 weeks. 4.4 Renfrewshire Council ELC provision consists of: - 13 ELC classes linked to primary schools, which operate during the school day / term time; - 9 ELC classes linked to primary schools, which operate over a longer day (8 to 6 pm) across the calendar year; - 15 ELC centres (standalone establishments), which operate over a longer day (8 to 6 pm) across the year; and - 1 ELC class for children with complex needs, which operate over a longer day (8 to 6 pm) across the year. 4.5 The existing ELC delivery models in Renfrewshire Council establishments require to be redesigned to take account of reducing birth rates, available data on uptake of 1140 hours of funded ELC (particularly outside of the school term), current parental preferences and the revised funding provided to the Council to deliver the ELC entitlement. 4.6 Appendix 1 attached to this report provides the range of establishments / settings and models of delivery within each of the admissions panel areas. __________________________________________________________________ 5. Data Review 5.1 The data review includes an overall position for Renfrewshire Council area and for each geographical admissions panel area. It includes information on historic trend of demand and uptake of ELC places in Renfrewshire Council area and across the admissions panel areas,
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including in local authority and funded provider establishments. Graph 1 – Renfrewshire: 3–5-year-old uptake: Graph 2 – Uptake and demand of ELC places in all Renfrewshire establishments by panel 5.2 In Renfrewshire Council area capacity within the system was 92% in June 2024 across all establishments. For local authority establishments only, this figure was 89%. This has been broadly consistent across the previous 3 years and equates to a surplus of around 318 places overall, with 275 in local authority establishments. 5.3 Since academic session 2022/23 to 2024/25 there has been a reduction in the number of places in local authority ELC establishments by approximately 100. This is a result of
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routine monitoring of uptake and demand across admissions panel areas and in individual establishments. 5.4 A new roll projection estimate for across the Renfrewshire school estate will become available at the end of October 2024. This will model projected P1 intake classes across the local authority and provide further context to estimated demand in admission panel areas. A new Renfrewshire Council area level population projection based on the 2022 census is also due to be released by National Records Scotland in November 2024. These distinct pieces of information will help to provide a clearer picture of projected population growth and overall demand for services. Both these new data sources will be used to support the development of proposals for ELC once they are available. 5.5 There are several factors that influence the demand for ELC places in a local area. The Scottish’s Government’s Funding Follows the Child policy means that families have flexibility on where they choose to access their child’s entitled ELC, this can include accessing a place in either a local authority ELC establishment or funded provider setting; within the area a family resides in; or in any area across Renfrewshire Council or in an establishment out with the Renfrewshire Council area. 5.6 Another factor to be considered as part of this assessment is the right for a parentor carer to defer their child’s start at primary school if they are still 4 years of age on the first day of a new school term. 5.7 Data on deferral numbers shows an upward trend in the uptake of an additional year of funded ELC since the change in legislation in August 2023. ___________________________________________________________________ 6. Wraparound Fee rate 6.1 In line with the Funding Follows the Child guidance, the Council provides parents with an opportunity to purchase extra hours in addition to the entitled 1140 hours of funded ELC or to purchase a place for a child aged from birth to 3 years who is not eligible. Wraparound care in Renfrewshire Council establishments can be purchased before/after an entitled placement, for full-days, or part days. 6.2 The opportunity to purchase wraparound care is dependent on the availability of places in a local authority ELC establishment, with priority allocation given to ELC entitled places or priority need children. Places for wraparound care are allocated to accord with the Early Learning and Childcare Admissions Policy. 6.3 Renfrewshire Council’s current rate for a wraparound placement is £3.85 per hour, with a concessionary rate of £2.70. These rates have been in place for a number of years. 6.4 It is proposed that a review of the wraparound care rate is now undertaken by bench marking the current rates against other Councils’ rates within the West Partnership and the market rate set in Funded Provider settings. The outcome of this review will be reported to a future meeting of the Education and Children’s Services Policy, with proposals for revised rate and concessionary rate. _________________________________________________________________ 7. Implications of this report 7.1 Financial
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A summary of the overall financial position is provided at 3.6 above. Any potential changes to the service will have to be managed within future ELC budget allocations. 7.2 HR and Organisational Development None within the current report although future proposals may require organisational change. 7.3 Community/Council Planning Our Renfrewshire is thriving - Ensuring the best start in life for children and young people. Our Renfrewshire is well - Early intervention will lead to healthier outcomes for children and young people. Our Renfrewshire is fair - The engagement process is designed to ensure everyone can give their views and have them heard. Our Renfrewshire is safe - Local services will continue to lead to healthier outcomes for children and young people. Reshaping our place, our economy and our future - The engagement process informs the redesign of ELC provision. Building strong, safe and resilient communities - The quality of community lives is enhanced by supporting parents, children and young people. Tackling inequality, ensuring opportunities for all - Placements will continue to be allocated in line with policy. Creating a sustainable Renfrewshire for all to enjoy - Support to families through a range of flexible and accessible places will support parents into and sustain employment, training or enter education. Working together to improve outcomes - Ensuring children have a high quality ELC experience. 7.4 Legal No changes directly from this report, however any future changes to the manner in which the service is provided may require modification to pre-existing contractual arrangements. 7.5 Property/Assets None at present 7.6 Information Technology None
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7.7 Equality and Human Rights A review of impact on equalities and human rights will be carried out to inform future proposals and implementation. 7.8 Health & Safety None at present 7.9 Procurement No procurement required. 7.10 Risk None – engagement period 7.11 Privacy Impact None 7.12 Climate Risk None 7.13 Children’s Rights This links to article 29, children’s right to an education which must develop every child’s personality, talent and abilities to the full. 7.14 COSLA Policy Position Revised funding arrangements for ELC provision were agreed by CoSLA and the Scottish Government. List of Background Papers ___________________________________________________________________ Children’s Services KMcD 17 October 2024 Author: Kathleen McDonagh, Education Manager, 0141 618 7196, kathleen.mcdonagh@renfrewshire.gov.uk,
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Renfrewshire Council Local Area Admission Panel Groupings Appendix 1 Establishment Current Model Panel 1 – Howwood, Johnstone, Lochwinnoch Local Authority Auchenlodment ELC Class Lochwinnoch ELC Class St Margaret’s ELC Class Spateston ELC Centre West Johnstone ELC Centre Funded Providers Gleniffer Nursery Mid Gavin Nursery Stepping Stones Sharon's Tiny Tots Childminding School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Panel 2 Erskine, Bishopton, Inchinnan, Langbank Local Authority Dargavel ELC Centre St Anne’s ELC Class St John Bosco ELC Class Funded Provider Bright Starts Nursery Cairellot Nursery Ltd Carli's Kindergarten Ltd Erskine Community Nursery – Bargarran Erskine Community Nursery – St Anne’s Inchinnan Community Nursery Little Panda's Nursery Thrive Childcare and Education Happitots Erskine Carole's Kiddies Catherine Whyte Karen Finnie Kelly Rix Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year School day / term time School day / term time School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Panel 3 Renfrew, Hillington Local Authority Glendee ELC Centre Kirklandneuk ELC Centre Moorpark ELC Centre Funded Provider 3 Bears Nursery – Renfrew Bright Horizons Renfrew Early Learning and Childcare In Safe Hands Little Flowers Nursery Little Stars Hillington Puddle Lane Catherine Young Cee Cee's Childcare Karen Chalmers Kerry Goudie Little Rabbit Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year
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Panel 4 - Houston, Bridge of Weir, Brookfield, Weirs Wynd, Kilbarchan. Local Authority Houston ELC Class Bridge of Weir ELC Class Funded Providers Abbey Nursery Houston Gryffe Manor Nursery Kilbarchan Community Nursery Rivendale Nursery Little Paddock Childminding Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Panel 5 - Linwood, Brooklands Local Authority Our Lady of Peace ELC Class East Fulton ELC Class Funded Providers Carli's Kindergarten Ltd Linwood Community Childcare Elaine Parkhill Childminding School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Panel 6 - Foxbar, Glenburn, Brediland, Meikleriggs Local Authority Bushes ELC Class St Peter’s ELC Class Heriot ELC Class Foxlea ELC Centre Glenburn ELC Centre Glenfield ELC Centre Funded Provider Carriagehill Nursery Green Road School day / term time School day / term time School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Panel 7 - Paisley West 1, Elderslie, Baronscroft, Castlehead, Westend Local Authority Hugh Smiley ELC Centre St Mary’s ELC Class West ELC Class Wallace ELC Class Funded Providers Abbey Nursery Maxwellton Park Nursery & OSC School day / term time School day / term time School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year School day / term time Panel 8 - Paisley West 2, Ferguslie, Shortroods, Phoenix Park Local Authority Douglas Street ELC Centre Ferguslie ELC Centre Hillview ELC Centre Mossvale ELC Class Funded Providers Glencoats Lodge Nursery Happitots Nursery - Glasgow Airport Rainbow Nursery - Paisley Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year
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Panel 9 - Paisley Central 1, Charleston, Hawkhead, Hunterhill, Lochfield,Paisley South, Todholm Local Authority St Charles’ ELC Class Todholm ELC Class Lochfield ELC Centre Paisley ELC Centre Funded Providers Carriagehill Nursery Jennyswell Nursery Nursery Times Orchard Grove Nursery School day / term time School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Panel 10 - Paisley Central 2, Gallowhill, Paisley North, Ralston, Seedhill. Local Authority Gallowhill ELC Class Ralston ELC Class St Catherine’s ELC Class Williamsburgh ELC Class Funded Providers Abbeymill Childcare Ltd Leaps and Bounds Nursery Little Learners School day / term time School day / term time Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Extended day/ calendar year Renfrewshire Wide Local Authority Riverbrae ELC Centre Extended day/ calendar year