Agenda item

8.              

THE EARLY YEARS ‘START FOR LIFE IN SHEFFIELD’ STRATEGY 2023-28

8.1

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Integrated Commissioningrequesting that the Education, Children and Families Committee note the intention to develop a new 5-year Early Years Strategy within Sheffield.

8.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Education, Children and Families Policy Committee:-

(a)      endorse the proposal to develop a New Early Years Strategy for 2023 to 2028.

(b)      endorse the new title for the Strategy of ‘Start for Life in Sheffield’. This new title is in line with national developments within the Family Hubs Programme and was supported by attendees at the Early Years Event in October 2022.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

The Current Early Years Strategy is ending in March 2023. It is vital that the city has a new Early Years strategy that considers not only the developments in Early Years outlined above but also has relevance in terms of the issues facing the families and children of Sheffield in the current economic climate.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

The current Great Start in Life Strategy could be refreshed however the level of change locally both locally and nationally in terms of the issues facing families, the impact of the pandemic and the national developments around EYFS and Family Hubs present an opportunity to consult and co-produce a new Early Years Strategy that can positively impact on the lives of children and young people.

8.4.2

As such it is recommended that a new strategy be developed for 2023 to 2028.

8.1

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Integrated Commissioningrequesting that the Education, Children and Families Committee note the intention to develop a new 5-year Early Years Strategy within Sheffield.

8.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Education, Children and Families Policy Committee:-

(a)      endorse the proposal to develop a New Early Years Strategy for 2023 to 2028.

(b)      endorse the new title for the Strategy of ‘Start for Life in Sheffield’. This new title is in line with national developments within the Family Hubs Programme and was supported by attendees at the Early Years Event in October 2022.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

The Current Early Years Strategy is ending in March 2023. It is vital that the city has a new Early Years strategy that considers not only the developments in Early Years outlined above but also has relevance in terms of the issues facing the families and children of Sheffield in the current economic climate.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

The current Great Start in Life Strategy could be refreshed however the level of change locally both locally and nationally in terms of the issues facing families, the impact of the pandemic and the national developments around EYFS and Family Hubs present an opportunity to consult and co-produce a new Early Years Strategy that can positively impact on the lives of children and young people.

8.4.2

As such it is recommended that a new strategy be developed for 2023 to 2028.