Derby City Council has launched a consultation to gather feedback on how it supports the city’s children. The Council’s draft Early Years 0-7 Strategy has been designed to create an inclusive and thriving city where every child and young person can succeed and live their best life.

Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age seven have a major impact on their future life. This strategy sets out a vision of how education, health and social care services will collaborate with families and the voluntary sector to provide all Derby children with equal opportunity to be healthy, happy, and safe.

The Council would love to hear what parents, carers, stakeholders and city residents think about the draft strategy to help shape it going forwards. An online survey is now live on Let’s Talk DerbyOpens in new tab and is open until Friday 25 July.

Derby has already demonstrated significant progress in supporting its most disadvantaged children. In 2024, 54% of Derby children eligible for free school meals achieved a Good Level of Development (GLD), surpassing the national average of 51.5%. Furthermore, 29.8% of Derby children receiving SEND Support and 4.1% of children with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan achieved a GLD, compared with national outcomes of 24.9% and 3.8% respectively. These achievements place Derby 10th nationally for these key outcomes.

This new strategy builds on these existing strengths and aims to further narrow the educational attainment gap, ensuring that all children, particularly the most disadvantaged, can flourish.

The Council has developed the strategy in partnership with key Early Years stakeholders, identifying areas where collective efforts can further improve outcomes for children and families across the city.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:

Derby aims to be an ambitious and inclusive city where all children and young people can thrive. This means providing the best possible start in life, fostering a strong sense of belonging, and supporting their development, health, and well-being. 

This vision will be achieved through a strong collaborative network with children and families at the centre, ensuring they get the right support at the right time.

You can contribute to this by taking part in our consultation on the draft Early Years Strategy, so please take part.

The survey is available at Let’s Talk Derby until Friday 25 JulyOpens in new tab. Feedback can also be sent by post to Coral Golding, Professional Advocate for Children in Education (PACE) and Early Years Quality Improvement Service Manager, at The Council House, Corporation Street, Derby, DE1 2FS.