Agenda item

Early Years Update (to include MNS)

Minutes:

It was reported there were a number of positive things happening across the sector despite the Plan and three nurseries experiencing financial pressures. It was felt it was beneficial to have colleagues on Forum who were familiar with the sector.

 

An Early Years Review was being conducted and work was being undertaken with a number of departments to ensure there was sufficiency going forwards.  It was noted that Michael Jarrett had met with the governing boards of all nurseries within the Authority.

 

Work was also ongoing with the DfE and the three nurseries. A report had been drawn up making recommendations for the future: this had to be finalised and shared with the DfE for ratification. It was stressed the Council could not accept any deficit budgets and had to be in a position to change the financial certainty of the nurseries concerned, with any actions needing to be addressed with speed.

 

All Slough nurseries were experiencing challenges due to financial pressures and those of Maintained Nursery School (MNS) funding, which had been drawn to the attention of SBC a number of years before. It was pointed out that the paper provided showed two nurseries were having to use carry forward funds to set their budgets.

 

Phil Gregory, Headteacher of Baylis Court Nursery confirmed that he would be retiring at the end of the Autumn term 2021.