As the County Times goes to press the Chancellor will be setting out his future spending targets. We already know some aspects – a significant increase in health spending and in spending on our defence, reflecting the worrying global environment. However the overall task of “balancing the books” will not be easy.
My representations have focussed on a securing a fairer funding model for local schools. I am hopeful that we can, despite all the other financial pressures, make progress but await the statement and will be studying the detail carefully.
School though is of course just part of a wider picture of how we provide young people with the best possible start in life. Skills developed very early stay with children and become self-reinforcing as they develop. Unfortunately if those skills are not developed early this can make it much harder for kids to fulfil their full potential: historically only a small proportion of those in the bottom quarter of the class at 5 years old go on acheive an A Level, while for those in the top quarter it is over 60 per cent. Early years support in language, learning and emotional development leads to more fulfilling early years in school and more equal outcomes.
Home Start is a national charity that helps parents build better lives for their children, especially in the critical first few years. It assists families who for any number of reasons, including bereavement, illness or a child with particular needs, require a bit of extra support. This is provided in the home by trained volunteers. I recently met with CHAMS – our local Homestart providers – and spoke to a thriving family who had benefitted from their help. This is just one of 1,800 local families that CHAMS have helped. Like every charity they need to build their funding base to support their incredibly useful community work, this includes their current “Snowflake” Appeal and securing local partnerships.
Being able to provide direct support to families not only helps them but ensures that kids arrive at school best equipped to learn and meet their full potential.