Learning & Universal Outcomes Officer outlined Thurrock’s Annual Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2015, it was explained that the report broke down geographically early years places and identified areas where the council had both a surplus and deficit of places. The Committee were informed that the report was part of the statutory duty as set out in the Childcare Act 2006 which stated that Local Authorities need to ensure that the Council meet the requirements of early years entitlement with due regard to planning and growth across the Local Authority.

The Interim Strategic Lead on School Improvement, Learning and Skills Officer informed the Committee that there was currently sufficient nursery provision in Tilbury for two, three and four years olds, although it was added that with new housing developments the current provision would no longer be adequate, the Committee were enlightened that the Council would be working with outreach to resolve the problem. Councillor Little felt that the Council must encourage and make families aware of the benefits to fulfil nursery places.

The Chair explained that the Thurrock Childcare Sufficiency Annual Assessment 2015 report was emailed to all members prior to the Committee, concerns were raised that no comments regarding nursery provisions in Thurrock were received.

Councillor Little questioned Officers regarding the number of Travellers currently in childcare. The Learning and Universal Outcomes Officer informed the Committee that the travellers support service would regularly visit traveller sites to encourage the take up of education across the board.

Reverend Barlow felt that the number of good or outstanding early education and childcare providers was good, however Members questioned what was in place to improve the remaining childcare providers who were not good or outstanding. The Learning and Universal Outcomes Officer explained that a number of the providers were awaiting Ofsted inspections and support packages had been put in place. The Chair requested that an update on addition childcare provision would be reported to the Children’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee later in the municipal year.

Councillor Gamester queried how the Aveley and Uplands ward was indicated as a high priority area, The Learning and Universal Outcomes Officer explained that priorities were calculated around methodology and projections. Councillor Little informed Officers that there were 129 proposed housing developments for Orsett instead of 37. The Chair requested that Members should refer to the Director of Children’s Services outside of the meeting for any further clarifications.

Resolved:

1.    To support further early years & childcare development in Aveley & Tilbury recognising the deficit outlined in the sufficiency report.

2.    To promote and encourage more schools to consider eligible 2 year old intake.

3.    To support public village hall use for the increase of early education particularly related to costs associated with tenancy

4.    To consider early education future needs before decision are taken in relation to capital assets across the Local Authority

5.    That the Director of Children’s Services would liaise with Communications Officers to publicise the encouragement of take up in early year’s education.

6.    That the Learning and Universal Outcome Officer provides Councillor Little with information regarding traveller’s education up take.