Agenda item

[Andrew Wolverson, Head of Service, Early Years, to present report]

Andrew Wolverson, Head of Service – Early Years, introduced the presentation and gave an overview of the background to the development of the early year’s strategy. The Head of Service commented that all Wolverhampton nursery schools have been rated by Ofsted as being either good or outstanding.

The Head of Service commented that there had been an 80% take-up of the 2-year-old early education entitlement offer in Wolverhampton.

The panel discussed the definition of school readiness and the expectations of what parents have about what tasks their child should be able to do when they arrive at nursery school. The Head of Service commented on the public consultation about the strategy and the work being done to develop a definition of ‘school readiness’ that the majority of people would understand.

The panel suggested that current definition should be altered as follows:

“Children will be able to express their needs, feelings and wants. Children will be excited, enthused and demonstrate a willingness to learn both inside and outside of the classroom

A school will ensure that children feel heard and understood by their practioners.”

The Head of Service commented that the strategy covered the period in a child’s life, from conception to five years, and will bring together a range a professionals working to support families and the development of children.

The panel discussed how the strategy deals with health challenges such as rising levels of childhood obesity. The Head of Service commented on the work planned to improve information sharing between professionals, so that health issues can be tracked and their progress monitored and the appropiate action taken to support them.

The panel discussed the reference to social class in the slide on underpinning value and suggested that this be extended to include wanting to good maternal health.

The Head of Service commented on the importance of parental engagement and the promotion as parents as being the child’s best educator. The Head of Service commented on the range of events aimed at supporting parents and children.

The Head of Service commented on the promotion of ‘parent champion’ scheme. The scheme is aimed at raising their profile and supporting other parents.

The panel discussed the role of school mentors in engaging and building confidence in parenting.

The Head of Service commented on the importance of early engagement with parents and accepted that some parents that may have not a good experience of the learning in school.  In response, to this issue support is offered to parents to support their reading and writing skills, so that they better help their children.

The panel discussed the important impact of Sure Start and the focus on early child development and welcomed the aims of the strategy in building on this foundation.

The panel discussed the issue of workforce development and the quality of childcare provision.

The Head of Service commented that number of child-minder’s ratings had moved from improving to good, but accepted that more work needed to improve the quality of education given to young children. The Head of Service commented on the work done to engage with parents from east European countries who have recently arrived in the City and the planned consultation.

The Head of Service explained that educational material is being developed that can be translated into a number of different languages. In addition, information aimed at parents has been published on the Wolverhampton Information Network site and also in Community Hubs. The service aims to give parents and carers different ways to access information and advice to support the learning and development of their children. The panel discussed the issue of cultural difference and the importance of supporting parents who may not feel confident in their ability to support their child’s education.

The Head of Service explained that a launch event for the early years strategy is planned after it has been presented to Cabinet. The Head of Service explained that the strategy is a ‘live’ document and will therefore change in response to comments. The strategy will be supported by an action plan.

The panel welcomed the strategy.

Resolved:

1.    The panel comments on the Early Years Strategy document to be included in the consultation response presented to Cabinet for approval.

2.    The panel endorse principles and values in the Early Years Strategy document.