The Overview and Scrutiny Committee were asked to consider childcare provision in East Tilbury. The Interim Strategic Leader for School Improvement, Learning and Skills explained that there was sufficient provision in East tilbury, but unfortunately there had been a breakdown in arrangements between East Tilbury Primary School (part of St. Clere’s Academy Trust) and the Directors of Little Angel’s Day Care who shared the school site. In addition, a new provider had been opened in Linford offering day care to families in the area.

The Committee was informed that the transfer of the landlords responsibilities was given to the Academy Trust; and that the local authority would continue to work to rebuild relationships recognising the responsibility for the land that no longer lies with the local authority. The Interim Strategic Leader explained that since the last committee he had been focusing on rebuilding relationships between the parties but shared how it was proving difficult through the school holidays. Meetings had taken place with the East Tilbury Governor, Chief Executive of the St Clere’s Academy Trust, and the Director of Little Angels.

The chair welcomed two public representatives Mr Crabbe and Mrs Clarke to voice their opinion on the nursery provision in East tilbury. The following points were made to the Committee.

•          The 3pm- 6pm nursery timeslot was not appropriate for many parents, due to this some parents chose not to send their child to nursery this year.

•           Parents felt that the East Tilbury Primary School Nursery would provide a greater education compared to private sector nurseries.

Councillor Little was disappointed how some children were not in education and stated that Tilbury was a location that should be focused on by the Council.

The Chair of the Committee questioned whether St Cleres Academy could open a nursery; The Director of Children’s Services explained that St Cleres Trust could open a nursery however there were detailed arrangements for academy conversions.

Councillor Kerin inquired if there was anything that could be done as a Local Authority to resolve the situation; officers felt that there could be more power and demand from the community. The Chair requested that letters were sent from the Committee to Little Angels Day Care and East Tilbury Primary School to address to the situation.

The chair felt that the Council could reduce pressures on Little Angels Day Care by using East Tilbury School Nursery when the childcare allowances increase to 30 hours a week.

Councillor Gamester queried whether the 75 year lease could be challenged by the solicitors at St Clere’s school, the Director of Children’s Services said that they will pass on the message to St Cleres and also look into the matter with lawyers at Thurrock Council.

Resolved:

1.            The Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee commented upon the actions taken to date and any further actions which should be taken by the Council to resolve the current situation.

2.            That a letter is sent on behalf of the Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee to St Cleres and Little Angles to encourage a relationship between the two parties.

3.            That a letter is sent to the Procurement team on behalf of the Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee to urge that similar contracts are not signed in the future.

4.            An update at the next Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the current position and the views of Thurrock Councils Lawyers.