Decision details

The Director of Education & Inclusion Services advised Members of the receipt of additional capital grants to support the implementation of the Welsh Government Childcare Offer in RCT. 

Members were reminded that a  funding bid had been submitted to Welsh Government in September 2018 for 11 projects to support the development or creation of childcare facilities on, or near, school sites. The Director advised that  funding had also been requested for a Project Officer post, funded until 31st March 2021 and for a ‘Small Capital Works’ grant scheme to enable childcare providers delivering the Childcare Offer to apply for funding to support small capital projects.  In February 2019, the Council were advised that they had been successful in receiving funding for four of the 11 capital projects, as well as funding for the small capital grant scheme / Project Officer post.  The Director continued by advising that in June 2019, Welsh Government released further funding to support delivery of some of the unsuccessful projects, and Members were advised that  RCT had been awarded a further £1,000,000 to refurbish and expand the current childcare provision based in Treorchy Primary School.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Inclusion Services welcomed the additional funding received which was in addition to the £2.5million already awarded.  The Cabinet Member spoke of the opportunities to further invest within the schools for the benefit of the young people of the County Borough.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the information contained in this report.

2.    To note the receipt of an additional £1 million of capital funding from Welsh Government in addition to the £2.5 million already awarded in February 2019.

3.    To add the funded project to the capital programme.