Issue - meetings

The Board received a presentation from the Operational Director, Education, Inclusion and Provision, on the Early Years in Halton Review, which was commissioned by the British Association for Early Childhood Education.  Halton also participated in an OFSTED thematic called “Unknown children – destined for disadvantage?”

Members were advised that despite the majority of early years settings in Halton being judged as good or outstanding, there was insufficient improvement in progress in narrowing the gap between Halton and National figures.

The Review was carried out between January and April 2016 and included those in early years settings, health and services in Halton.  It was found that there was some excellent practice in early years in the Borough with dedicated staff determined to improve life chances of the youngest children and their families; and improvements in the quality of provision had been made over recent years.   There were however some findings highlighted from the Review that could be attributable to the lack of improvement in early years.  It was noted that these findings would be used to develop a shared vision driven by a 0 to 5 Strategic Board, who would agree key performance indicators within an early Years Action Plan.  Further, the quality of support for settings, schools and families would be looked at as well as developing cross sector working and encouraging partnerships.

The One Halton Child Development Group was discussed which consisted of partners such as Public Health, Schools, parents, CCG and The Health Improvement Team.  Members were also informed of the Early Years Review by Nottinghamshire Council, (who had received lottery funding) and it was hoped that they would visit the Board at the next meeting.

The following points were made arising from the presentation and following Members questions:

·       There was sufficient provision in Halton for 2, 3 and 4 year olds but some parents chose not to send their children for different reasons; such as transport issues or not being able to get into their preferred setting;

·       The hardest to reach parents presented challenges as some were unable to communicate effectively and therefore missed opportunities for early years education;

·       With regards to targeting homeless units and domestic violence centres; these and others would be identified by the One Halton Group;

·       One Member said that over the years a number of local playgroups had become closed due to statutory educational requirements for all early years settings and the educational qualifications now necessary to work or run an early years provision; and

·       The relationship between Private, Voluntary and Independent (PVI) settings and schools needed to be improved.

The Chair thanked Officers for the presentation and invited them to present and update at a future meeting of the Board.

RESOLVED:  That the Board noted the presentation and comments made.