Agenda item

11.1

The Executive Director, Children, Young People and Families submitted a report in relation to proposals to grant a lease to provide childcare from the First Start Centre.

11.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet on behalf of the Council in its capacity as trustee of the Firth Park Charity:-

(a)

notes the principle Cabinet decision from February 2013 to cease the management and delivery of Local Authority managed nurseries and that this will be implemented by the First Start Nursery being operated and managed by the Hucklow Primary School; and

(b)

delegates authority to the Director of Capital & Major Projects to negotiate the terms of the licence and instructs the Director of Legal & Governance to prepare and complete all the necessary legal documentation subject to there being sufficient safeguards to ensure the existing and future usage of the nursery to both maintain existing services and retain the status of the building as a public asset.

11.3

Reasons for Decision

11.3.1

This option:

·           Allows the retention of the building as a public asset with present and future usage safeguarded.

·           Minimises impact on other services in the building.

·           The Council has already successfully transferred two of these YCC nurseries to schools

·           Provides continuity of and safeguards future delivery of good quality services to children in Firth Park.

·            Makes a positive contribution that is within the charitable objects of The Firth Park charity.

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

11.4.1

Closure

This was not considered a viable option as it would be counter to the charitable objects of The Firth Park charity and create an unsustainable building and could impact on other service provision from the building

11.4.2

Continue with the present provision

This would not have been consistent with the Councils decision to withdraw from direct delivery and counter to the 27^th February 2013 report.

11.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

11.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

11.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Jayne Ludlam, Executive Director, Children, Young People and Families

11.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Children, Young People and Family Support

11.1

The Executive Director, Children, Young People and Families submitted a report in relation to proposals to grant a lease to provide childcare from the First Start Centre.

11.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet on behalf of the Council in its capacity as trustee of the Firth Park Charity:-

(a)

notes the principle Cabinet decision from February 2013 to cease the management and delivery of Local Authority managed nurseries and that this will be implemented by the First Start Nursery being operated and managed by the Hucklow Primary School; and

(b)

delegates authority to the Director of Capital & Major Projects to negotiate the terms of the licence and instructs the Director of Legal & Governance to prepare and complete all the necessary legal documentation subject to there being sufficient safeguards to ensure the existing and future usage of the nursery to both maintain existing services and retain the status of the building as a public asset.

11.3

Reasons for Decision

11.3.1

This option:

·           Allows the retention of the building as a public asset with present and future usage safeguarded.

·           Minimises impact on other services in the building.

·           The Council has already successfully transferred two of these YCC nurseries to schools

·           Provides continuity of and safeguards future delivery of good quality services to children in Firth Park.

·            Makes a positive contribution that is within the charitable objects of The Firth Park charity.

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

11.4.1

Closure

This was not considered a viable option as it would be counter to the charitable objects of The Firth Park charity and create an unsustainable building and could impact on other service provision from the building

11.4.2

Continue with the present provision

This would not have been consistent with the Councils decision to withdraw from direct delivery and counter to the 27^th February 2013 report.