Decision details

The Chair welcomed Sarah Callaghan, Director of Education and Skills and Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health to the meeting.

The report presented provided an update on the development of Lancashire's Early Years Strategy. In presenting the report, members were provided with a presentation that covered the key priorities and objectives for the Early Years Strategy, including the outcomes of each of these key priorities. A copy of the presentation can be found at Appendix 'C' of the report.

Responding to the report and presentation, the following concerns and key issues were raised by the committee:

Members' raised concerns regarding the pressures being faced by teachers, in teaching and looking after children with complex medical needs. In response, Members' were informed that by focussing on early years this should help reduce the dependency on teachers. This included additional support for Early Years Providers and around language and speech therapies.

Members' were keen to learn more about the current collaboration arrangements utilised by Lancashire County Council and different community groups. It was noted that the county council is currently in the process of setting up a network of different groups, which included schools, nurseries, community groups, health visitors, etc. to ensure support for a child was being given at a local level and in their own community. Members' requested an update on the progress of setting up the networks to come to a future meeting of the committee.

Resolved: That;

  i.  The feedback provided on the report be noted; and

  ii.  An update on the progress of the local networks be provided at a future meeting of the Education Scrutiny Committee.