Agenda item

Presentation by Karla Capstick, Small Steps Big Changes Programme Director

Karla Capstick, Small Steps Big Changes Programme Director, delivered the presentation, which is include in the agenda pack, and outlines the background to the programme, the progress made to date in providing early years support for children and families from pre-birth to 4 years old.

Highlighted points and responses to members’ questions included:

a)  The programme consists of a board of partner organisations and is focused and operates in the most deprived areas of the City of Aspley, Bulwell, Hyson Green and Arboretum, and St Ann’s. SSBC works to reduce the gap in achievement and development by providing additional parental support and child support. This includes specific focuses on developing language and communication skills, social interaction and enrichment skills with parents, care providers and communities involved and able to guide and direct activity throughout the programme;

b)  Having started in 2013, the programme is entering its final years and is due to conclude in March 2025. It has provided a range of more than 40 different activities/training/projects, including mentors working with 4,500 family members. Uptake of opportunities has been very good and feedback of experiences from parents and carers has been positive;

c)  The local level evaluations are summarised in the presentation, with significantly improved outcomes for children and families who have taken part, compared to those who have not;

d)  Evaluation has been supported with the ongoing involvement of Trent University as a local evaluation partner which has advised throughout the programme;

e)  Further evaluations focusing on diet and nutrition are yet to be completed but are part of the funding requirements;

f)  Not all challenges along the way have been addressed, including funding and a reduction in supply businesses and strains on families which have slowed local community needs and the pace of progress and outcomes;

g)  Analysing and attributing cost benefit has been difficult, particularly with the national impact of the pandemic which affected children and families in multiple ways;

h)  Not all interventions worked as hoped at a local level, but this proved that it is vital to know and understand local communities, although some issues related to local partners being unable to upscale or expand their successful work streams;

i)  Co-production has proved hard work, but worthwhile. However, despite every effort, once SSBC concludes, there will be a gap in provision as although good progress and outcomes can be evidenced, further funding is not available. In addition to the individual unmet needs, there will also be an impact on the voluntary sector and there are concerns that the legacy model and development work to date will be lost;

j)  It is hoped that the Family Mentor achievements can be rolled out across the City. Some funding has been secured for pregnancy mentors, and training will continue with regard to involving fathers, Health Champions and the Child Friendly City;

k)  The programme has benefited hugely from the community voluntary sector based input of mentors and ambassadors, with much learnt, but still more learning to be done;

l)  Some planned elements of the programme were not able to be implemented due to the pandemic restrictions, so a further work proposal may be submitted to the Head Teacher’s Forum.

Comments from Partners and those present included:

m)  Community Champions are achieving ever increasing positive results, proving an inspiration, and making a beneficial difference in their communities, in addition to achieving personal career development potential which may well lead them into future social care roles. This enthusiasm needs to somehow be sustained as Champions and Mentors are often able to reach further into communities and families and offer support than figures of authority;

n)  The overview of SSBC is helpful. Schools continue to come across below standard levels of speech, motor skills and Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) of children entering the school system. Further discussions between the lead officers for Nottingham Schools Trust and SSBC need to take place to look at how the final phase of SSBC work can feed into schools, possibly alongside the non-attendance of younger children which is emerging as a critical issue, which Family Mentors may be best placed to help address;

o)  Work on addressing and preventing young children’s absenteeism from school will link onto the family hubs as it’s recognised that the community voice (including family mentors) is very effective.