Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Children and Young People

Forward Plan Ref: 2026/084

Non-key decision

Contact: Annette Perrington, Deputy Director of Education

Annette.perrington@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Report by Director of Children’s Services (CA9)

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to note the release of the plan and share any feedback about its content.

Cabinet received a report on the Best Start in Life Plan, which was aimed at improving early childhood development outcomes for all children but particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Councillor Sean Gaul, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, presented the report.

Cabinet noted that the intention was to get more children achieving the good level of development (GLD) indicators, reflecting the system-wide approach to achieve this through family support, auto-enrolment on free school meals, early intervention and wider community facilities such as libraries. Cabinet noted the oversight of this plan through the Children’s Trust Board, which reported into the Health & Wellbeing Board.

Councillor Gaul moved and Councillor Gregory seconded the recommendations and they were approved.

RESOLVED to:

a)    Note the release of the plan and share any feedback about its content.