The Scrutiny Review Panel - Prevention - Support in the Early Years met on Tuesday 17 December 2024 to discuss the scope and progress of its review into early years support. The panel was scheduled to consider how to ensure accessible and effective help for children aged between -9 months and 5 years, and their families, at the earliest opportunity.

Scoping the Review of Early Years Support

The panel was scheduled to consider a scoping report for its review into the provision of support for children in their early years and their families. The report, from the Executive Director Children’s Services, outlined the proposed scope for this review, aiming to ensure that accessible and effective help is provided at the earliest opportunity.

The Review Panel was asked to:

• Determine the scope of the review and identify any areas for further scrutiny.
• Consider and agree the proposed outline review plan, including future meeting dates.

The aims of the review were to ensure that enough is being done to provide accessible and effective help at the earliest opportunity. The objectives included understanding the demographics of the early years population in Stockport, the universal stages of support and professional contact, and current pathways for additional support, particularly through family hubs. The review also aimed to understand how families engage with support offers and identify current challenges within the system.

The review's methodology included a scoping meeting on 19 August 2024, with the first session of evidence gathering held on 05 November 2024. The meeting on 17 December 2024 was designated as Session 2, focusing on strategies for school readiness in early years, specifically social development and personal care. Further evidence gathering was planned for January/February 2025, with a final report due to the Committee on 05 March 2025 and to the Cabinet on 18 March 2025.

Update on Prevention and Support in Early Years

An update from the Executive Director for Children’s Services was scheduled to be considered, providing details on strategies for working towards school readiness in early years. The focus was on social development and personal care, with the aim of giving young children an excellent start to their school life by reducing embarrassment and negative experiences. The Review Panel was requested to consider and note this update.

Next Steps for the Scrutiny Review

The panel was also scheduled to consider the next steps for the ongoing scrutiny review. The date of the next meeting was to be confirmed.

The meeting was attended by Councillor Shan Alexander (Chair of Marple Area Committee and Employment Appeals Committee), Councillor Rosemary Barratt, Councillor Angie Clark, Councillor Graham Greenhalgh, Helen Hibbert, and Charles Yankiah (Corporate and Support Services).