Issue - meetings

(a)       That the work of the Early Year’s Services to proactively support young children and families during the response phase of the pandemic be noted; and

(b)       That the continued work to develop effective seamless services with key partners as part of  our recovery strategy to providing the best start for every child be supported.

The Senior Manager – Children introduced a report on the extensive work to support parents and families and address the impact the pandemic has had on babies and young children. He provided background information and context and asked Hayley Wilkes, Flying Start Co-ordinator, to present the report. 

The Chair paid tribute to all staff who had worked during the pandemic to keep Early Years and Flying Start services and centres open to support key workers.    She asked what support was being provided to children, and their families, which had autism, during the pandemic lockdown.  The Flying Start Co-ordinator explained that there would not normally be an expectation of a diagnosis of autism to be made for a child under the age of four, however, some children were showing signs of developmental concerns and Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and the Flying Start Programme would be a response to that.  Specific programmes support parents with routine, communication, and speech and language before school age.  Parents were being supported to access support and quality child care to enable children to have responsive interaction with an adult or parent in the home.  The Flying Start Co-ordinator reported on the main points as detailed in the report.

Councillor Mackie thanked the Flying Start Co-ordinator for an ‘uplifting’ and comprehensive report and the success of the Early Years and Flying Start Programmes and initiatives.

Councillor Cunningham welcomed the speech and language therapies for young children.

The Chief Officer (Social Services) commented on the effective team working between Children’s Services and the Early Years and Flying Start Services which was a key element in addressing the complex demands and challenges on social services.  He also spoke about the continued capital investment during challenging times to expand and develop services as referred to in section 1.05 of the report.

The recommendations in the report were moved by Councillor Cunningham and seconded by Councillor Mackie.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the work of the Early Year’s Services to proactively support young children and families during the response phase of the pandemic be noted; and

(b)       That the continued work to develop effective seamless services with key partners as part of  our recovery strategy to providing the best start for every child be supported.