Agenda item

Early Childhood Strategy

(To receive a report from Michelle Andrews, Head of Early Years, which advises the Committee of the approach taken in Lincolnshire to support parents in their journey through pregnancy and the earliest years of their child's life)

Minutes:

The Chairman invited Michelle Andrews, Head of Early Years to present the draft Early Childhood Strategy to the Committee.

 

The Committee was advised that Lincolnshire strived to ensure the best outcomes for all children and families across the county. The Committee was advised further that the draft Early Childhood Strategy, detailed at Appendix A to the report set out the approach taken in Lincolnshire to support parents in their journey through pregnancy and the earliest years of their child's life.

 

It was reported that from 2013 to 2016, Lincolnshire's Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) outcomes had been above the national average.  From 2016, Lincolnshire's outcomes had plateaued and the results of other areas had increased. This had resulted in lower outcomes at the end of the EYFS for Lincolnshire, in comparison with statistical neighbours, and also at national average.  It was noted that by 2018, the pattern had continued and as a result the Council looked at working with a wider range of partners, in order to identify ways in which educational outcomes could be improved for Lincolnshire children.  It was highlighted that during the period 2013 to 2018 many services had made changes; and as a result of this, it had been agreed that the development of a strategy would help bring all the work happening across the county in to one place.

 

Following the development of the draft strategy, a Local Government Association (LGA) peer review had provided the opportunity for the Council to gain an external perspective of the work done in Lincolnshire.  The Committee was advised that the outcome of the peer review had been very positive; five recommendations from the peer review were shown on page 88 of the report pack.  The Committee was advised further that plans had been put in place to address the recommendations.  Following a number of information sharing events with wider partners, including the early year's sector, schools and wider partners, the draft strategy had been well received with positive engagement and feedback.

 

It was reported that the strategy set out the national and local context.  The document also had a number of hyperlinks to relevant information and tools, to support professionals to better understand how their work fitted into the wider journey of children.

 

The Committee noted that the impact and outcome of the lockdown and Covid-19 on children and families was still not yet fully understood.  What was known was that the pandemic had placed unprecedented pressure on the system including early year's education providers and schools.  It was highlighted to the Committee that the next steps set out at the end of the document might be subject to change, as the recovery phase commenced following the pandemic.

 

During consideration of the Strategy, particular reference was made to: the Key Steps/Milestones shown on page 100; school readiness on page 101; and Lincolnshire's next Steps on page 104.

 

During discussion, the Committee raised the following points:

 

  • Praise was extended to officers for the report and the Strategy; and support was also extended to the hyperlinks within the strategy, which enabled the reader to find out more information;
  • Performance outcomes between 2017 and 2019 - Reassurance was given to the Committee that when outcomes plateaued, a significant amount of work had been undertaken in the Early Years Sector to identify reasons for the gap in provision; there had also been significant changes, with the introduction of the 30 hours; and the new funding formula.  There was recognition that there would be some reduction in outcomes; and that all steps had been taken to rectify the situation;
  • Provision of District Level Data information on page 96 of the report -   A question was asked whether the lower performance figures were linked to social deprivation.  Confirmation was given that the District Level Data as shown enabled performance to be monitored and highlighted areas that need further intervention.  The Committee was advised that the data enabled the team to target specific schools that needed additional help and support through the process.  One member enquired whether data could be made available relating to schools within their area.  Officers advised that this information was available.  Reassurance was given that Early Years worked very closely with their Educational colleagues to identify where further intervention was required; and that further information regarding this matter could be made available at a future meeting.  Reassurance was also given that dedicated resources had been targeted to the East Lindsey area;
  • Children's Centres Opening provision along the coast – The Committee was advised that Officers would have a conversation with appropriate councillors outside of the meeting.  Reassurance was also given that  opening provision at each Children's Centre was being reviewed; and
  • Increase in the number of children taking up the integrated two year review – The Committee was advised that reviews could be undertaken by the health visitor, who was in regular contact with a family.  If a child was attending an early years nursery, then an education check would be carried out which would be shared with health visitors as part of the young child's health and wellbeing.  The Committee also noted that families also had access to a virtual forum offer.  It was noted further that the virtual forum method of communication had increased, and would remain on offer going forward. 

 

The Chairman extended thanks to the Head of Early Years for the presentation.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the draft Early Childhood Strategy as presented be received, subject to consideration by officers to the comments provided by members of the Committee as detailed above.

Supporting documents:

 

 
 
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