Decision - Provision of Free Child Care Places for Two Year-Olds in the Most Disadvantaged Communities

Agree to offering free childcare places to the most disadvantaged two year olds in Brighton & Hove from September 2009.

Agree the following eligibility criteria for children’s participation in the scheme:

(i)    Lives in one of the 10% most disadvantaged areas according to the Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI),

(ii)   Lives in a family dependent on workless benefits,

(iii)  Is targeted to receive additional health visiting support, and

(iv)There is a suitable place available in the scheme

Agree that providers participating in the scheme must meet appropriate quality standards, including having a good or outstanding Ofsted grading.

1.       That free childcare places be offered to the most disadvantaged two year olds in Brighton & Hove from September 2009.

2.       That the following eligibility criteria for children’s participation in the scheme be agreed:

                 (i)       Lives in one of the 10% most disadvantaged areas according to the       Income Deprivation Affecting Children Index (IDACI), and

                 (ii)      Lives in a family dependent on workless benefits, and

          (iii)      Is targeted to receive additional health visiting support, and

(iv)      There is a suitable place available in the scheme

3.       That it be agreed that providers participating in the scheme must meet appropriate quality standards, including having a good or outstanding Ofsted grading.       

1.       The report seeks approval for implementation of a scheme which will benefit the most disadvantaged two year olds in Brighton & Hove.  It will also support the parents of these children in gaining any additional support they might need and improving their children’s home learning environment.

2.       Because funding for the scheme is limited it is necessary to establish eligibility criteria so that it is focussed on the most disadvantaged children.  Approval of the eligibility criteria will enable children’s centre staff to start to identify the first children who will benefit from free childcare provision.

The recommendation follows DCSF guidance.  Targeting the funding on children in most disadvantaged communities supports the council’s statutory duty under the Childcare Act 2006 (s1) to improve the well-being of young children and reduce inequalities between young children.