Agenda item

8.1

The Executive Director, Children, Young People and Families submitted a report in relation to the Early Years Best Start Strategy.

8.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

approves the draft strategy; and

(b)

delegates authority to the Director of Children and Families, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families to make minor amendments to the draft strategy.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

The experience and outcomes for very young children can be very different. Inequalities in early learning, early achievement, health and wellbeing has led to a gap in the overall attainment of children from disadvantaged homes compared to those more advantaged. The key protective factor to enable infants to reach their potential is the quality of the interactions they receive from their caregivers. We know that parents and carers want the best for their children; this is much harder when families are concentrating on making ends meet financially. In Sheffield we want to make it a priority to support parents/caregivers and make life easier for people from the earliest opportunity.

8.3.2

There is a need to respond to the increasing birth rates and the changing demographics across the City to ensure high quality flexible childcare at the time of need. This is one of the critical elements of the refreshed Tackling Poverty Strategy. High quality flexible childcare enables adults to learn and work and provides the best foundations for children to a future free from poverty. This strategy will be integral to the wider public health priority of encouraging good health, early learning and wellbeing from an early start as well as supporting the Tackling Poverty Strategy.

8.3.3

It is necessary to build up local community capacity and resilience, develop active and vibrant partnerships to engage families in developing and delivering services to give all children in Sheffield a great start in life.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

To continue with existing service delivery without a joint coherent strategy. This alternative would be unacceptable as there are inequalities in early learning, achievement and health and a need to narrow the attainment gap for children at the foundation stage.

8.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

8.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

8.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Jayne Ludlam, Executive Director, Children, Young People and Families

8.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Children, Young People and Family Support

(NOTE. Prior to the commencement of this item the Chair, Councillor Julie Dore left the meeting and the Deputy Chair, Councillor Leigh Bramall,  took the Chair for the remainder of the meeting).

8.1

The Executive Director, Children, Young People and Families submitted a report in relation to the Early Years Best Start Strategy.

8.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

approves the draft strategy; and

(b)

delegates authority to the Director of Children and Families, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families to make minor amendments to the draft strategy.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

The experience and outcomes for very young children can be very different. Inequalities in early learning, early achievement, health and wellbeing has led to a gap in the overall attainment of children from disadvantaged homes compared to those more advantaged. The key protective factor to enable infants to reach their potential is the quality of the interactions they receive from their caregivers. We know that parents and carers want the best for their children; this is much harder when families are concentrating on making ends meet financially. In Sheffield we want to make it a priority to support parents/caregivers and make life easier for people from the earliest opportunity.

8.3.2

There is a need to respond to the increasing birth rates and the changing demographics across the City to ensure high quality flexible childcare at the time of need. This is one of the critical elements of the refreshed Tackling Poverty Strategy. High quality flexible childcare enables adults to learn and work and provides the best foundations for children to a future free from poverty. This strategy will be integral to the wider public health priority of encouraging good health, early learning and wellbeing from an early start as well as supporting the Tackling Poverty Strategy.

8.3.3

It is necessary to build up local community capacity and resilience, develop active and vibrant partnerships to engage families in developing and delivering services to give all children in Sheffield a great start in life.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

To continue with existing service delivery without a joint coherent strategy. This alternative would be unacceptable as there are inequalities in early learning, achievement and health and a need to narrow the attainment gap for children at the foundation stage.