Decision details

1.    Approve the allocation of funding of £543,000 from the Early Years block for 2024/2025. Proposed split of funding is 80%, £434,400, to Randolph Beresford and 20%, £108,600, to Thames Federation.

2.    Approve additional £135,750 funding for the summer term 2025 from Early Years Dedicated Schools Grant to cover places at Randolph Beresford and Thames Federation for the full academic year to end July 2025. This will be split 80%, £108,600, to Randolph Beresford and 20% £27,150, to Thames Federation.

3.    Approve £143,000 funding to be retained for spot purchasing across all settings.

·         Although the standard of provision is outstanding at these settings, they must use existing resources to provide this enhanced offer. Allocation of funds to Randolph Beresford and the Thames Federation will better reflect the additional costs of providing their offer, ensure greater certainty and enable leaders to better plan for enhanced provision.

·         In addition, approving a continuation of funding now will allow the nurseries to set a balanced budget and advertise their offer ahead of the next academic year.

Option 1 - recommended

·         Approve the allocation of funding of £543,000 from the Early Years block for financial year 2024/2025. Proposed split of the funding is 80%, £434,400, to Randolph Beresford and 20%, £108,600, to Thames Federation. This funding will include children with SEND.

·         Approve additional £135,750 funding for the Summer term from Early Years Dedicated Schools Grant to cover places at Randolph Beresford and Thames Federation places for the full academic year to end July 2025. This will be split 80% to Randolph Beresford £108,600 and 20% Thames Federation £27,150

·         Approve £143,000 funding to be retained for spot purchasing across all settings. This funding will be focused on children with SEND, 2 year olds and under 2s.

Option 2 - Not recommended

·         Do not approve the allocation of funding and provide Randolph Beresford or Thames Federation the full £543,000 for the financial year 2024/25 and the additional £135,750 to cover the Summer term from the Early Years block.