The Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee has received an update on the development of the Best Start in Life Strategy and the evidence, engagement and emerging priorities that are informing its development.
The Best Start in Life Strategy will support the delivery of Knowsley’s Children and Young People’s Plan and the Council’s and partners’ commitment to “Putting Children First”.
It focusses on the period from pregnancy to age five, recognising the importance of the early years in shaping children’s future health, wellbeing, development and life chances.
The strategy’s development is informed by local evidence including a needs assessment to ensure it is aligned to local needs, stakeholder engagement and emerging national policy requirements.
Consistent themes from the consultation includes the importance of providing support as early as possible; improve access to support for families who are less likely to engage with services and who may experience barriers to participation; addressing child development and school readiness; the need for clearer information, advice and support for parents and carers; strong partnership working; and ongoing pressures relating to SEND, workforce capacity and increasing demand for services.
The strategy will focus on three key priorities:-
Strong Foundations from the Start – promoting healthy pregnancies, positive parent-infant relationships, child development and wellbeing.
Right Support, Right Time, Right Place for all – access to the right information, advice and support, when they need it, through accessible, inclusive and coordinated services.
Ready to Learn, Ready to Thrive – improving children’s development, communication and language skills, school readiness and early learning outcomes, while supporting parents and carers as children’s first educators.
The final strategy will be considered by Cabinet in October 2026.