Councillor Tony Smith introduced a report by the Director of Children’s Services which stated that, at the meeting of Cabinet on 19 June 2014, Cabinet approved (Minute . refers) and agreed to the transfer of New Brighton Day Nursery provision to become a separate legal entity established as a social enterprise model.This was under a five year contract and worked to a transfer date of 1 September 2014.This was the only tender which proceeded to a full conclusion from the process agreed at Cabinet on 13 June 2013 (Minute. 13 Refers) .

At the meeting of Cabinet on 19^th June 2014 (Minute.5 refers) it was agreed that other matters in respect of proposals regarding the remaining five Council day nurseries be deferred to a future meeting of Cabinet. 

All of the five day nurseries referred to in the report were co-located in buildings alongside key partners.  Four were situated on school sites and one was located within the St James Centre, this centre was owned by the North Birkenhead Development Trust. 

RESOLVED: That

(1)  the proposal to cease the Council’s day nursery provision detailed within the report, in respect of the five day nurseries is subject to a 12 week public consultation period be approved;

(2)  the further allocation of places for children at the five day nurseries be proactively managed (through discussion with and agreement of parents) during the proposed 12 week consultation period to help mitigate against possible future inconvenience for parents.  This is to reduce any likelihood of disruption or unnecessary transfers for children to a different childcare provider in the event that the Council’s day nursery provision detailed within the report ceases to operate;

(3)  the Director of Children’s Services be requested to undertake consultation and further negotiations with those school partners to explore the full potential of developing this proposal;

(4)  the Director of Children’s Services be requested to undertake consultation and further negotiations with North Birkenhead Development Trust as a current and key stakeholder at the St James Centre to explore the full potential of developing this proposal;

(5)  a contingency plan be put in place (funded from existing resources) by the Director of Children’s Services as considered necessary and appropriate to ensure sufficiency of the early education offer.

(6)  The Director of Children’s Services be authorised to prepare the requisite consultation documentation and commence the public consultation as soon as practicably possible.

(7)  The outcome of the proposal and consultation responses be considered at a future meeting of Cabinet.