The Scrutiny Review Panel - Prevention - Support in the Early Years met on Tuesday 4 February 2025 to consider an update on strategies for school readiness in early years, focusing on social development and personal care. The panel was also scheduled to discuss the next steps for the ongoing scrutiny review.

Scrutiny Review: Prevention - Support in the Early Years

The panel was scheduled to consider an update from the Executive Director for Children’s Services regarding strategies for school readiness in early years. The update was intended to provide details on how to foster social development and personal care in young children, aiming to give them a positive start to their school life by reducing potential embarrassment and negative experiences. The Review Panel was requested to consider and note this update.

The report pack indicated that the review aimed to ensure enough is being done to provide accessible and effective help at the earliest opportunity for children in their early years and their families. It outlined several key areas for discussion, including the Startwell Strategy 2024-27, what constitutes a best start in life and school ready, the value of developing personal, social, and emotional development, championing infant-parent/carer relationships, and the key strategies and support offers available.

The report pack also highlighted strengths in the current system, such as High Expectations for service delivery and children's development, a Dedicated Workforce and Excellent Practice, and Above-Average Outcomes for early years children in Stockport compared to the national average. However, challenges were also identified, including funding issues stemming from the central government settlement, difficulties in establishing effective communication between the Local Authority (LA) and the early years sector, ensuring families understand available support, addressing inequalities and inclusion, particularly for disadvantaged children and boys, and meeting the increasing needs of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The report pack included recommendations for consideration, such as enhancing communication and partnership working between the LA and the early years sector, better informing families about available support through various channels, and focusing resources on communication and language development using evidence-based methods to address inequality.

Next Steps for the Scrutiny Review

The panel was also scheduled to consider the next steps for the ongoing scrutiny review. The report pack indicated that the third meeting of the Review Panel was planned for January/February 2025, with a draft final report to be submitted to the Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday 5 March 2025, and the final report to be presented to Cabinet for approval on Tuesday 18 March 2025.