Jan99ud

Bristol Early Years & Childcare Partnership
Whats On News Policies Guidance About Us 98 Plan 99 Plan

UPDATE NEWS 21 January 1999

REMEMBER: TODAY IS HEAD COUNT DAY & EARLY YEARS CENSUS DAY

Conference: Thanks to all. Kathy Sylva’s paper "Too Formal Too Soon" available. Feedback very positive on speakers. Some minority dissatisfaction with workshops. Note that the High Scope II paper is not on our web site (http://freespace.virgin.net/dave.sutton/ ) yet - in part because the High Scope site itself is very difficult to access. It will be posted asap.

Parents Forums: Disappointing attendance, but useful detailed discussions with those present.

Plan: We will take verbal comments this afternoon (& any written submissions) to feed into review. An updated version will then go out asap and we will either need a further meeting &/or delegated process to formally approve/ comment on. IS THE GENERAL THRUST & DIRECT RIGHT? (See Linda’s summary of changes)

Joint Council Committee Meeting at 4.00pm on Wed 27 January (Council House). This will formally consider Plan. A report on integrating Education and Social Services under 8’s areas is also on the agenda. Partnership views? If agreed, this will be worked through to implement by September 99. Part of this process will involve considering where grants are best administered from.

SURESTART (under 3’s) : Bristol has been chosen as a Trailblazer area to submit a bid. (DfEE Press Release 19 Jan). It is intended to set up Working Group with Council & Health Authority to progress - including deciding upon which area. STOP PRESS: Meeting 2.00pm on 2 Feb at Council House.

PROPOSED GRANT CUTS BY LEISURE: Following Partnership comment on grants at 17 Dec meeting, I have written to Council Chief Executive re need for a corporate commitment (re Leisure cutting 4 grants & Planning co-operation). Reply expected to be tabled at meeting. Copies or further details from me.

Schools Admissions Policy: Draft available for comments. To next - 25 Feb Partnership meeting.

IT Development:

	Childcare Information Systems Development Project: We have met with Annette Walker and have committed to sign up to National Database scheme. Following letter of 14 Jan from DfEE we are seeking to formalise agreement with South Gloucs & other Councils’ to help ensure priority. This will provide designed front end & auto updating - but we will need to run a duplicate site to allow "click through" (the national site is designed for "kiosk" use).
	We are still trying to progress upgrade to ALIS windows system for Registration & Inspection Unit (woith Early Years addition) - funding in part through Childcare Audit - and so as to increase capacity of the system.
	I am seeking expressions of interest from any Partnership member who has a computer & existing phone line who is interested in getting on-line. ( ie to get a modem). With Dixon’s Freeserve this will enable setting to get email andimprove communication. The intention is to have a scheme ready if Childcare Audit budget permits.

Letter from Margaret Hodge & Local Government Association: Thgere is a letter dated 12 Jan from both of these stressing need for Councils and Partnerships to work together. Anyone having problems (eg with adjoining authorities) may like to get a copy to help their arguments.

A meeting of CUBA Partnership Chairs with TEC is arranged for 5 February.

Note National Early Years Network Conference on 16 Feb and Kids Club Network two day AGM on 18/19 March (both in London). We will be seeking to send delegates.

DfEE Research Report RR72 on "Local Assessments of Childcare Needs & Provision" (Peter Moss et al) is now available.

Dave Sutton 21.01.99

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