In response to member questions, Yvette Stanley, Director, Children, Schools and Families and Jane McSherry, Assistant Director, Education, provided the following clarification:

·         Jane McSherry: the Department is working hard to maximise take-up of the 30 hours of funded childcare.  This is complex to administer as the criteria for the two year old offer is different from the three and four year old offer.  Historically, take-up hasn’t been good for the free two year olds offer where this is targeted at parents who aren’t working.  Work is therefore ongoing to promote this opportunity.  Noted that the funded childcare offer provides an opportunity for Merton’s primary schools; it is hoped children taking up pre-school places will then apply for school places;

·         Jane McSherry: the increase in children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reflects the general increase in the population as opposed to a disproportionate increase in children with SEND, ie: the rate of children with SEND has not changed greatly.  However, this is still leading to significant increases in the number of children with an Education, Health and Care Plan.  The expansion of Merton’s SEN provision aims to decrease use of the independent sector for suitable provision given this is costly.  The expansion works are funded through the capital programme.  However, placement costs are funded through the Higher Needs Block of the Dedicated Schools Grant which isn’t increasing and isn’t sufficient to cover the costs.  This is an issue across London; and

·         Yvette Stanley: increasing Merton’s own provision of suitable SEN placements is better and more cost effective, reducing any overspend.  Noted that London Councils are overspending on SEN transport provision on average at around £1m per annum.  Highlighted that the Department is working through London Councils to lobby Government on spending for which there is no recourse to public funds.