Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director for People and Neighbourhoods (Children’s Services).

The report provides a refreshed version of The Start Well Strategy 2024-2027 that was previously launched in 2021. The strategy contributes to the delivery of the Children and Young People Plan 2024 -2027 which identifies seven Big Ambitions. The Start Well strategy delivers Ambition 2 but also works towards the other 6 Ambitions.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to review and comment on the report.

Officer contact: Heidi Shaw | Heidi.shaw@stockport.gov.uk

The Director for People and Neighbourhoods (Children’s Services) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing a refreshed version of The Start Well Strategy 2024-2027 that was previously launched in 2021.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members welcomed the comprehensive report and its excellent content.

·       It was noted the difficulties being experienced with the EHC Plans with around 400,000 children in the UK waiting on an assessment as reported in the press. In response, it was noted that the data in the healthy mandate contact indicated the timeliness of assessment for children in the earliest years of life around their development.

·       Clarification was sought regarding the delivery of the strategy and whether there were enough resources and staffing levels for delivery. In response, it was stated that the health visitor role was instrumental in supporting and targeting the resources across the borough. The strategy refresh was helping with the delivery and further enhancing the digital developments through an ‘early year app’ in partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority to support parents screen their own child development with support from the health visitor.

·       It was commented that the strategy was an opportunity for parents to talk and get guidance from people who could help with childcare. It was noted that there was a holistic package of support for the successful take up for the vulnerable 2 year-olds with the team around the early years.

·       It was stated that the references to ‘Empowering Parents Empowering Communities’ (EPEC) were quite good and what it achieves for the parent. It was requested that a briefing paper be submitted to a future meeting describing what it does and the outcomes.

·       Members enquired about the reference to the 30% of pregnant women having mental health issues and how are those women supported. In response, it was stated that the support was provided by the midwife and the health visitor through building trusting relationships with parents and developing dad friendly practices.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.