Calderdale’s Health and Wellbeing Board has outlined new action to help every child start school ready to learn and thrive – making sure they have the best possible start in life.
The Calderdale Health and Wellbeing Board is made of up local leaders from the Council, the NHS, the voluntary and community sector and clinical and community care providers. Members meet quarterly to discuss important topics aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the borough.
At the June meeting, the board received an update on the action being taken on the key priority area of Starting Well, ensuring children are ready for school by working with expectant families and supporting babies and very young children. The Board heard directly from families and also a community researcher and their involvement in infant feeding and oral health projects.
The first 1000 days, from pregnancy to age two, shape a child’s future more than any other period. That’s why, through the borough’s Starting Well Partnership, work is focused on three key areas:
- New and expectant families have what they need for a healthy preconception, a healthy pregnancy, healthy families and a healthy child.
- Families facing particular challenges (including children not being ready for school) get help early and are actively involved in shaping their care.
- Families have access to safe, accessible play areas, activities, environments and opportunities to meet and socialise with other families including access to sufficient number of high-quality early years education and childcare providers.
To monitor progress, the Starting Well Partnership looks at how many children are ready for school by reaching what’s known as a “Good Level of Development” (GLD) by the end of the Reception year of school (age 5). In the past year, the number of children in the borough reaching a GLD has increased, with the gap between the best performing and worst performing areas of the borough narrowing.
More children are now school-ready, with improvements particularly strong in areas like Boothtown and north Halifax through the Family Hubs programme. Board members heard how the programme is supporting local families, by providing a wide range of services and support, with three parent champions sharing their experiences and insights directly with the Board.
Upcoming work to continue to improve child development includes better connecting nurseries and schools and focusing on early support, especially for those who need additional help.
The Chair of the Calderdale Health and Wellbeing Board, Cllr Tim Swift, said:
“Every child deserves the best possible start, regardless of where they live or their family’s circumstances. We’re seeing real progress through our Family Hubs, but we know local families still face tough challenges.
“Hearing directly from local workers and local families in the meeting shows us how our work on Starting Well is making a real difference in our communities.
“Whilst we are seeing encouraging improvements, we understand local families continue to face many challenges. We are committed to doing all we can to help children have the best start in life.
“The key is working together – council, NHS, schools, and community groups all pulling in the same direction. When we do that, children and families win.”