Councillors have been told that it will be a “big ask” to achieve government aspirations for a “good level of development” amongst five year olds. But the challenge was welcomed by Danielle Swainston, who is the executive director of children’s and families directorate at Redcar & Cleveland Council. Success is being measured by the “good level of development” indicator, which was described as the assessment that is undertaken in schools at the end of reception class.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has previously said that he wants 75% of kids to meet the “good level of development” target by 2028, a scrutiny committee heard on Tuesday October 28.

Giving every child the best start in life is a government strategy that was launched in July, but the council is still waiting for statutory

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