Decision details

Resolved (unanimously):

That Executive

a)   Endorses the strategic Best Start in Life approach, focused on reducing inequalities and improving early childhood outcomes in order to meet the Government’s statutory targets for the proportion of children achieving a Good Level of Development by age five.

b)   Approves delegated authority to the Executive Member for Children and Education to sign off the final local Best Start in Life plan.

c)    Agrees the ambition to position York as a Centre of Excellence for early childhood development, working with Ebor Multi Academy Trust, the University of York, York St John University, and other partners, including the voluntary and community sector and — where appropriate — private sector investors. This ambition will include a particular focus on the first 1001 days.

Reason: Supports statutory compliance, strengthens system leadership, and enables York to take a more ambitious and evidence driven approach to improving early childhood outcomes.