Completion of the review of Little Owls nurseries across the city, to ensure that individual settings are as efficient, effective, and as financially sustainable as possible. This may result in proposals for closure and market-led solutions whereby provision is provided by alternative childcare providers.
The emerging findings of this review, based upon current operating arrangements, are that there are three blocks of LCC directly provided nurseries across the city:
• Nurseries where it is believed there is sufficient nursery provision provided by others, which means the Council should not be providing additional provision.
• Nurseries where it is believed that additional provision by the Council may not be required as sufficient provision could be provided by others subject to more detailed conversations with alternative providers and potentially continuing support (at a lower cost than current).
• Nurseries where it is believed that continuing provision by LCC is in order due to challenges of sufficiency and support for children with SEND and issues of deprivation.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Financial Impact>£500K;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)
Wards affected: Bramley and Stanningley; Burmantofts and Richmond Hill; Chapel Allerton; Gipton and Harehills; Headingley and Hyde Park; Hunslet and Riverside; Killingbeck and Seacroft; Kirkstall; Rothwell;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 22/12/2023
Decision due: 19 Jun 2024 by Executive Board
Lead director: Director of Children and Families
Department: Children and Families
Contact: Vicky Fuggles 0113 37 86840 Email: victoria.fuggles@leeds.gov.uk.
Consultation process
Consultation and engagement in relation to those decisions which flow from the review work will take place incrementally in relation to relevant elements of the proposal and will be detailed in relevant reports.
Consultees
Executive Member for Children’s Social Care and Health Partnerships
Local Ward Members
Parents and Carers
Trade Unions and Staff
Portfolio Holder: The Executive Member for Children & Families