Issue - meetings

[This report will outline the implementation of the Early Years Strategy and the action plans underpinning progress against the strategy.]

Andrew Wolverson presented the report.

The Chair thanked Andrew for the report and suggested that outcomes could be improved if there was a nursery at the Council for employees’ children.

The Panel requested information about how effectively the concept of ‘school readiness’ is communicated to parents. The Officer detailed that there was a checklist which needed to be part of the school induction process, but that the health visitors used this checklist at the age of 2 – 2 ½. It was stressed that readiness needed to start before school and to assist parents the online offer, especially that of the Wolverhampton Information Network, was being developed to ensure that all materials were available.

Some concerns were expressed regarding the long waiting list for ‘Healthy Minds’. Officers reported that work was being conducted in partnership with Public Health to assess how the service was delivered. The Chair expressed that, as a preventative initiative, this would result in a greater cost later if it was not properly resourced.

Resolved:

1.     That Cabinet be requested to investigate greater resources for Healthy Minds.

2.     That the issue of Healthy Minds be brought back as an item for Scrutiny Board in the future.