The Together for Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss a range of topics focused on the wellbeing and development of children and young people in Cornwall. Key areas of discussion included strategies for early years support, the development of a comprehensive education strategy for the Duchy, and performance data related to Key Stage 2 education attainment. The committee was also set to review initiatives for promoting oral health among children and young people, and to consider the findings and action plan from the 'Right On Survey', which gathers the views of children and young people across Cornwall.

Best Start in Life and Early Years

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on Cornwall's progress in delivering the Best Start in Life agenda, a strategy aligned with the Department for Education's national goals. The report aimed to gather the committee's views on enhancing early intervention strategies to support child development, reduce inequalities, and align with both national priorities and local objectives. This agenda item highlighted the critical importance of the early years, from pre-birth to age five, for laying the foundations of physical, emotional, and cognitive development. The report noted that Cornwall's Best Start for Life and Early Years Strategy 2024-2029 aims to improve school readiness and address health inequalities, acknowledging that one in five children in Cornwall lives in relative poverty, impacting their health and readiness for school. The strategy emphasises prevention, participation, and partnership, with a focus on integrated support through Family Hubs and a comprehensive digital offer for parents. Challenges such as the impact of poverty, rural isolation, and recruitment difficulties for early years professionals were also to be discussed.

Cornwall Education Partnership Strategy

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the draft Cornwall Education Strategy, developed by the Cornwall Education Partnership (CEP). This strategy aims to create a unified vision for learners aged 2-18 across Cornwall, bringing together academies, maintained schools, special and alternative provision, early years, and further education settings. The strategy is structured around five key strands: high attainment and world-class opportunities; closing gaps for vulnerable and disadvantaged learners, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND); fostering belonging, inclusion, wellbeing, attendance, and engagement; ensuring effective systems and sustainable funding; and promoting high-quality professional development for the workforce. The CEP, chaired independently by Dr Cat Scutt MBE, ensures the strategy is system-led, promoting collaboration and co-ownership among all educational stakeholders in Cornwall. The committee was asked to comment on the draft strategy ahead of a public consultation.

Key Stage 2 Education Attainment

The committee was scheduled to review the provisional performance outcomes for children at the end of Key Stage 2 (Year 6) for the academic year 2024-2025. This data, derived from statutory national assessments (SATs), provides a snapshot of pupil attainment in reading, writing, and mathematics. The report noted that this was the fourth set of outcomes published since the pandemic paused assessments, and while direct comparisons to pre-pandemic levels were still being considered, trends over the past four years were becoming clearer. The data highlighted areas of strength and areas requiring continued development, with a particular focus on mathematics outcomes and the attainment gap for disadvantaged learners and those with SEND. The report also noted the role of the Cornwall Education Partnership in driving strategic school improvement.

Oral Health Promotion for Children and Young People

This agenda item focused on the significant public health concern of oral health among children in Cornwall. The report indicated that nearly 30% of 5-year-olds in Cornwall showed visible tooth decay, a rate considerably higher than regional and national averages. Poor oral health disproportionately affects children in deprived areas, contributing to pain, missed school, and costly hospital extractions. The committee was to be informed about preventative oral health programmes commissioned by Public Health, such as First Dental Steps, The Big Brush Club, and Smarter Smiles. These initiatives aim to shift focus from treatment to prevention through supervised toothbrushing schemes, school accreditation programmes, and educational outreach. The report also touched upon the ongoing discussion regarding water fluoridation in Cornwall.

Right On Survey - Action Plan

The committee was scheduled to consider the Right On Survey, a biennial Cornwall-wide survey designed to gather direct feedback from children and young people on their lives, health, education, and sense of belonging. The survey aims to ensure that children's views are considered and taken seriously, in line with Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). In 2025, over 13,000 surveys were completed, an increase from the previous survey. The report emphasised that collecting this data is only the first step, and clear actions are needed to demonstrate a commitment to acting on the feedback received. The committee was asked to consider how the survey data fits with their work programme and informs decision-making, and to seek references to this data in future reports to ensure children's voices are embedded in policy and service delivery. The formal adoption of the UNCRC by Cornwall Council was also noted as a supporting framework for this work.