The Cabinet are due to consider reccomendations to consult upon proposals to introduce a small charge for Pre School-Day Childcare offered by some primary schools. Some schools provide a free childcare session before the breakfast club, with most settings typically operating between 8.00am and 9.00am. These proposals will have no impact upon free access to breakfast club for all primary age school pupils.
Schools must not, and will not, charge for any part of free breakfasts. However, schools can charge for Pre School-Day Childcare before the free breakfast session starts. This is often referred to as ‘wraparound childcare’ or Pre School-Day Childcare. Currently, this is not a service provided by all schools.
Current provision:
- All children who go to a primary school maintained by a local authority can have a free breakfast at school, with all Rhondda Cynon Taf primary schools providing breakfast clubs (92 Primary, 3 Special Schools).
- Breakfast is generally available for the half hour before the start of the school day.
- Pre School-Day Childcare is generally available alongside/prior to Breakfast Club within schools.
- As of September 2023, 5,096 pupils accessed Breakfast Clubs.
- Cost of Provision has increased by £400,000 since 2019.
Proposed changes:
- For parents wishing to make use of the Pre School-Day Childcare (generally available between 8.00-9.00am) there will be a charge of £60 per term, which is considerably lower than private providers.
- All income generated will be reinvested back into School budgets.
- Exemption will be given to pupils who are eligible for free school meals and a concession/cap will be considered, taking into account consultation feedback.
- The termly charge would be payable in advance on a termly basis and non-refundable.
- A healthy breakfast will continue to be available, free of charge for primary age pupils.
You can find answers to the most frequently asked questions about this proposal here.
More detail about the proposal can be found in the full Cabinet report here.
If you would like to participate in the consultation on this proposal, please visit the Council’s website here.