Decision details

'A Great Start in Life' - Sheffield's Early Years' Strategy

Decision Maker: Co-operative Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Purpose:

The strategy sets out Sheffield’s ambitions for enabling all children aged 0 to 5 years to fulfil their potential. It describes plans for continuing to develop high quality maternity, prevention and early intervention services which meet a diverse range of needs, including the most vulnerable children and families.

 

Decision:

12.1

The Executive Director, People Services submitted a report seeking approval to ‘A Great Start in Life’, Sheffield’s Early Years Strategy.

 

The report indicated that the Strategy builds on the Council’s previous strategy and, following a wide range of consultation across the city, it has been co-developed with colleagues from the local authority, health, schools, early years

providers, private, community, voluntary sectors, parents and carers.

 

The Strategy sets out the city’s ambitions for enabling all children aged 0 to 5 years and their families to achieve their full potential. It sets out priorities and plans for continuing to develop high quality maternity services, early help and prevention

and intervention services which meet a diverse range of needs.

 

12.2

RESOLVED: That approval be given to  ‘A Great Start in Life’, Sheffield’s Early Years Strategy, as detailed in the report now submitted.

.

12.3

Reasons for Decision

 

‘A Great Start in Life’ is integral to Sheffield’s wider health priority of

enabling good health and wellbeing throughout life. It is aligned with our

vision for a fairer, inclusive city and one that builds on the strengths of

communities and citizens to create the best environment for all our

children. It has major implications for the city’s long term outcomes

including educational attainment and community cohesion.

 

 

12.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

 

 

To not have a strategy – Although it is not a legal requirement to have a strategy ‘Building Great Britons. Conception to Age 2: First 1001 Days All Party Parliamentary Group’ provides clear recommendations for local partnerships to promote optimal development in the first 1001 days to give every baby the best possible start in life. Doing nothing would represent a reputational risk to Sheffield City Council with fundamentally adverse consequences for the health of children and their families.

 

 

12.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

 

 

 

None

 

 

12.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

 

 

 

None

 

 

12.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

 

 

John Macilwraith, Executive Director, People

 

 

 

12.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

 

Report author: Nicola Shearstone

Publication date: 19/03/2020

Date of decision: 18/03/2020

Decided at meeting: 18/03/2020 - Co-operative Executive

Effective from: 26/03/2020

Accompanying Documents: