To receive a presentation form the Director Education Standards, Quality and Performance.

The Committee received a presentation of the Director of Education Standards, Quality and Performance which sought to inform them of the latest developments in Early Years and School Readiness.

It was reported that the current position of Early Years performance in Trafford was good with 75% of children achieving a good level of development and 100% take up of free early education offer for 2 year old children. A high percentage of school settings and child minders were judged as good or outstanding by Ofsted. However, it was highlighted that this position was not consistent across the borough as there were areas where many children were not achieving a good level of development.

A multi-agency Early Years Strategic Board had been established in Trafford with the aim to increase the proportion of children who were ready for school at the end of Early Years Foundation Stage and to narrow the gap between the highest achievers and the most disadvantaged children. Improving school readiness was also a key priority for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The seven Early Years Strategic Priorities for Trafford were outlined. Early intervention, Early Help, targeted integrated reviews, transition process, targeted support through early detection of speech and language difficulties were some of the enablers utilised to achieve the seven priorities.

Members were also informed that School Readiness Plans had been created for two hotspot areas in Trafford where there were significant inequalities in outcomes: North Locality and Partington. Representatives from a range of agencies across health, education and social care met regularly to monitor progress against action plans. It had been noted that all disadvantaged groups consistently performed less well than other pupils in Trafford and nationally. Furthermore, 44% of children who were not school ready in the North Locality had English as an additional language.

Members sought and received clarification / commented on the following points:

-       Take up of free offer for two and three year olds – It was explained that although the take up was already at 100%, there were issues concerning maintaining the attendance after the offer had been accepted.

-       Settings closing in Trafford – It was explained that Ofsted visited Trafford annually to inspect Early Years provision. The Executive would look at issues on funding.

-       How would it be possible to fill the gap between the attainments of children residing in different part of the Borough and work with vulnerable families?  - It was explained that an in depth mapping exercise to identify what was accessible to families and where the gaps were would help to devise strategies to reach these groups. Also all settings and schools were challenged to provide significant data to help with the mapping process. Education and social care and health professionals could signpost families and ensure that services were accessible but families could not be forced to take up the offer.

-       Speech and language pathway and its duration – It was explained that, a referral for intervention would follow the screening. Initially, a six week intervention would be put in place. If necessary, this would be followed by a formalised language pathway.

-       How would Autism be identified and dealt with in Early Years?  - It was explained that an Education Psychologist would be present in Early Years settings.

Members acknowledged the importance of the free Early Years Offer for two and three year olds disadvantage children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to experience the benefit of attending education settings from a very early age.

RESOLVED: That the content of the presentation on School Readiness be noted.