Issue - decisions

Cabinet received a report containing a summary of the consultation responses received regarding the proposed Early Years and Childcare Strategy 2014 - 2017 and seeking approval of the draft Strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform introduced the item and put forward the following information for particular consideration:

      i.        That the consultation responses received had been largely positive.

    ii.        That the strategy was intended to build on achievements already made in attainment and the closing of attainment gaps

   iii.        That the strategy reflected the development of national government policy and in particular the policy direction relating to the expansion of provision for two year olds and the improvement of settings for delivery.

   iv.        That the strategy included a focus on integration with children’s centres and developing 0-11 provision and boosting collaborations between settings to improve provision by creating a self-sustaining system of improvement.

Patrick Leeson, Corporate Director for Education, Learning and Skills added to the comments of the Cabinet Member he referred to:

       i.        The ambitious strategy target, the highest in the country, for provision of early education and childcare provision for two year olds of 6,500 places over two years

      ii.        The achievement of 87% of early years provision in Kent now being considered to be ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ and the reduction of the achievement gap to be amongst the lowest in the country.

    iii.        The need for continued work to ensure that vulnerable families in Kent could access and benefit from the provision available, through strengthened targeting methods.

Alex Gamby spoke to draw the attention of members to the inclusion in the strategy of focused supported interventions that would enable providers to better identify possible gaps in achievement before they had occurred and also provide support for a heightened response to those potential gaps by providers.

The Leader welcomed the strategy and reminded members that it would continue to be developed over its lifetime.  It would be modified to drive and react to changes in the preventative arena in particular.  He considered that it would be necessary as part of the preventative agenda to link the strategy with Children’s Centres, CCG’s and the Health agenda more fully,  in order that the Council could provide joined-up services for parents and families.  In response Patrick Leeson assured the Leader that the document would be refreshed on an annual basis. 

It was RESOLVED: