The County Council have a range of statutory duties related to early years and childcare services including providing enough childcare places to meet the needs of families in West Sussex. This includes expanding early years entitlement by increasing access to free childcare which will commence in a phased approach from April 2024 to meet Department for Education Guidance.
The Council along with partner stakeholders has developed ‘Right from the Start’ the Early Years and Childcare Strategy to support changes locally. It seeks to improve collaborative working and ensure a strategic framework to maintain efficient and high-quality provision that creates the best outcomes for children. The Strategy sets out the vision to support early education entitlements for children and their families from pre-birth to aged five, and wraparound childcare provision from birth to 14 or up to 18 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Affects more than 1 division;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)
Divisions affected: (All Divisions);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 02/01/2024
Decision due: April 2024 by Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Learning and Skills (Cllr Jacquie Russell)
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Learning and Skills (Cllr Jacquie Russell)
Contact: Helen Gillespie, Area Education Advisor Email: helen.gillespie@westsussex.gov.uk Tel: 033 022 29312.
Consultation process
Representations concerning this proposed decision can be made to the decision-maker, via the report author, by the beginning of the month in which the decision is due to be taken.
Consultees
• Parents and Carers
• YourVoice Public Survey undertaken during autumn 2023
• Partner organisations
• Children and Young People’s Services Scrutiny Committee – 28 February 2024
Democratic Services Contact: Wendy Saunders Tel: 033 022 22553