Agenda and minutes

Cllrs Mitchell and England substituted for Cllrs Alcock and Wells.

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and personal or personal and prejudicial interests.  No whip was declared.

Resolved - That the minutes of the meeting of this panel held on 26 July 2022, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and be signed by the Chairman.

There were no public speaking requests.

The Chairman welcomed Jemima Flintoff, Head of Standards and Effectiveness, Darren Chaplin, Assistant Director - Education (Deputy DCS), and Nicola Raines, Early Years Manager- Sufficiency & Quality, to the meeting. 

The Chairman explained that Jemima, Darren and Nicola had been invited to update members of the current position related to Ofsted inspection outcomes for early years and childcare providers in North Lincolnshire, to advise members of support, advice and guidance offered to the sector, and to share provisional early years outcome data for children who completed the Early Years Foundation Stage in school during the summer term 2022.

A report had been circulated which set out these aims, highlighting the central role played by the Best Start Plan in continuing to drive partnership working across North Lincolnshire to improve outcomes for children in the early years.  The report provided background information on recent Ofsted inspections and Early Years Foundation Stage profile results.

The Chairman then led a discussion on related issues, with members asking questions on topics such as safeguarding, early intervention, funding and demand, the impact of Covid, and transition.  Officers responded appropriately.

Resolved – (a) That Jemima Flintoff, Darren Chaplin and Nicola Raines be thanked for their attendance; and (b) that the report and situation be noted.

There was no Added Item for discussion at this meeting.

There were no urgent or additional items due for discussion at the meeting.