Issue - meetings

That the ongoing developments of the Early Years and Family Support Service be endorsed.

The Chief Officer (Social Services) introduced a report to provide an update on the work to support children and families provided by the Early Years and Family Support Service in Flintshire.  He introduced Gail Bennett, Early Years and Family Support Manager, and invited her to give an overview.

                        The Early Years and Family Support Manager provided background information and advised that evidence indicated that intensive intervention in the early years could make a real difference to outcomes for children and their families in the longer term.  She reported on the Flintshire Parenting Strategy, Family Information Service, the Quest Project, Y Teulu Cyfan (The Whole Family). Flintshire Community Parents, and Flying Start.

                        Councillor Dave Mackie expressed the view that the achievement of children at pre-school, Foundation Phase and Primary school could be improved through the early intervention work making a difference to children’s life chances.  He said that the position should be looked at to see if anything could be done to induce an improvement from the outset in terms of early years education.     The Early Years and Family Support Manager responded to the concerns raised and referred to work in progress and future developments.

                        During discussion officers responded to the comments and questions raised concerning the Quest project and Families First criteria and funding, and funding for Flying Start.

                        Councillor David Healey expressed concerns around the areas of deprivation which existed in rural communities which were missing out on benefit provision.    

            RESOLVED:

That the ongoing developments of the Early Years and Family Support Service be endorsed.