Nursery service cuts approved by Rhondda Cynon Taf council

Plans to scrap free full-time nursery care for children aged three have been given the go ahead by Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) council.

Under the new system, children aged three will now be offered free part-time nursery care but will not get full-time education until age four.

The change to raise the age to four brings RCT in line with other councils in Wales.

Council leader Andrew Morgan said: “Following an extensive consultation process Cabinet took the difficult decision to amend funding arrangements for nursery education.

“The responses received via the consultation raising concerns about the removal of funding for free school meals led Cabinet to make amendments to the original proposal to ensure those pupils eligible will continue to receive free school meals.

“Constructive discussions have been ongoing with schools and childcare providers during the consultation process regarding the proposed amendment to funding arrangements and with an implementation date for the changes of September 2015, Council officers will continue to work with childcare providers and schools to manage the impact of these changes.

“The difficult decision we have taken today will contribute over £2million in savings as we strive to close the initial budget gap faced of £30million.

“If it were not for the harsh financial realities we face we would not be considering this option.”

County Borough Councillor Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “In making our decision today to reduce funding for nursery provision we have taken into account feedback from the consultation to ensure funding for free school meals is retained and free Home to School transport for those children eligible where schools maintain full time or where there are plans for wrap around provision in accordance with the Council’s current policy.

“From September 1, schools will receive funding for part time provision of 15 hours from the term after a child’s third birthday. Despite the reluctance of Cabinet to make this change it must be remembered that even after these amendments our level of provision continues to compare favourably with other local authorities with similar demographics to us.

“Furthermore Cabinet determined that this decision will ensure sufficient nursery education provision for the children of Rhondda Cynon Taf.”