Improving Children’s Readiness for Learning and Attainment – an Early Intervention Approach John Fyffe Perth and Kinross Council

Evidence2Success Objectives: Transforming children’s lives – improving outcomes Delivering GIRFEC – putting the child at the centre Increase community empowerment: children’s voices and needs heard Informing decision making by gathering data on wellbeing Investing together to make a real difference

Agreed priorities healthier gestation and birth improved school readiness reduced substance misuse reduced anxiety and depression early academic engagement

Why is school readiness a priority? Perth and Kinross (%) Not ready for school23 Ready for school78 P&K n = 569 By gender Males (%) Female s (%) Not ready for school2421 Ready for school7679 Males n = 291; Females n=277 Developmental concerns Perth & Kinross Children with no concerns 78% With any concerns22% Additional data confirming findings 27 – 30 month review (April March 2014) Evidence2Success Survey

Improving readiness for school/learning Parents stated they had concerns about their child’s development in the following areas: An Evidence2Success priority expressive language – 16%, receptive language – 14%, gross motor skills -13%, fine motor skills - 13%, social skills – 14%, behaviour – 15%, self-help – 16%. And that they had concerns about family management: Lack of rules and routines Perth and Kinross (3-8 years): 22% Inconsistent implementation of rules Perth and Kinross (3-8 years): 53%

6 Planning for improvement Implementing an evidence-based programme Stronger and more consistent positive outcomes for children and youth Strong ethical argument – avoid potential harmful effects Potential cost savings to taxpayers and society Improve child well-being at a population level

Blueprints Approved Cost Benefits to Taxpayers Benefits to Participants Benefits to Others Total Benefits Benefits minus costs Benefit- Cost Ratio Rate of Return on Investment Risk of loss £1,211£1,064£554£36£1,654£ %33% Outcomes affected: Good behaviour Not depressed Good relationship with parents Impact of intervention: Reductions in: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms Disruptive behaviour disorder symptoms Internalising symptoms Major depressive disorder (mother) Cost:Benefit Analysis Incredible Years Preschool Parenting Programme

By 2016 delivering at scale across all localities in P&K

Overcoming challenges Political commitment Strategic and operational leadership Committed workforce who understand importance of school readiness – both group leaders and referrers Comprehensive implementation plan including site readiness preparation Trusting data and evidence to model impact and plan for sustainability

What impact can the programme having? Levels of improvement in behaviour for children I realise that it is me that needs to make the changes, not my child. It’s given me the confidence to speak with nursery and ask them to try strategies to keep my child calm at the start of each day. Group has helped me understand the power of praise. It made me realise that playing with my child is so important. Data from Psychology of Parenting Programme Data, NHS Education for Scotland

Potential impact in P&K Maximum number of children reached Potential number of 3 yr old children with improved SDQ scores Potentially number of 3 yr old children moving out of high-risk range in their SDQ scores Potentially number of 3 yr old children moving out of high-risk range into normal range in their SDQ scores children better able to build relationships with peers and teachers, concentrate in class and take advantage of learning opportunities