Issue - items at meetings - Sure Start Children's Self Evaluation City Wide Summary

Report of the Director of Children’s Services

7.1       Caroline Parker, Head of Service, City Early Years and Childcare presented the report to Members and answered questions.

7.2             In answer to a question on the lack of background evidence for the grading of the Sure Start Children’s Centres performance, Members were informed that the gradings were based on an assessment of performance against the national Children’s Centres Standards matrix which includes grade descriptors for each outcome. Each of the eight full Self Evaluation Framework (SEF) reports contained a more detailed analysis with the reasons for the grades. CYPOSC had received a précis of these reports.

7.3             In answer to a question on whether further information on disabled children was available, Members were told that there were issues regarding IT systems and therefore it was difficult to provide monitoring information on the take up of services by particular groups. This was recognised as a weakness and a priority for future action in the report. Members commented that specialised needs were being unsupported and requested that further information on these IT issues be e-mailed to them.

7.4             In response to a question on high levels of obesity and low levels of breastfeeding in Hangleton, Members were told that there is a link between the two and the Children’s Centre team were working with families in the area to promote breast-feeding and reduce obesity.

7.5             Azdean Boulaich (Youth Council Representative) questioned why the performance for the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile in the Roundabout Children’s Centre area had reduced between 2007 and 2008.  Members were informed that improving performance here was a key priority for the children’s centre working together with Whitehawk Primary School. Action includes additional support for Whitehawk Primary School from the Early Years Consultants, additional support for children attending Roundabout Nursery and support for families in their own homes.

7.6             Further information on Breastfeeding was requested by Councillor Juliet McCaffrey.

RESOLVED-

(1)   Members noted the report and requested further information on :

(i)  Data collection IT issues.

(ii) Councillor Juliet McCaffrey is to receive further information on Breastfeeding.