Beacon Council Status

Recognised for excellence within specific or cross-cutting service areas, beacon councils demonstrate a clear vision and strategy, effective partnership working, high satisfaction with services, a learning culture and a willingness to innovate.

Somerset is one of only four beacon councils nationally for Early Years and Childcare: the Sure Start Agenda, along with Leeds and the London Boroughs of Newham and Camden. Across a 16 month period the beacons are expected to share their practice with other councils through a range of learning activities ranging from seminars and talks through to providing opportunities for other authorities to have some of their staff observing & working with Somerset staff.

Early Years and Childcare: the Sure Start Agenda local authorities, with local partnerships, have a significant part to play in the development of integrated services to young children and their families, as well as the expansion of childcare to enable parents to work. These services can have positive long-term benefits including improving education and health, reducing crime and increasing productivity.

The beacons have achieved better outcomes for their communities through the delivery of high quality and innovative family services that actively respond to the needs of the communities they serve. This successful practice includes establishing and sustaining childcare, reducing barriers to employment and ensuring access for all to health and family support services.

In making the award, the Improvement & Development Agency (IDeA) commented that "Somerset County Council is well organised to meet local needs within a large shire county, with an ability to deliver services on the ground effectively".

Each Beacon Council is expected to disseminate it's good practice & this film outlining service delivery in Somerset has been produced:

The Early Years Play & Childcare Service are also running a series of events & learning activities. For further details please contact Elaine Shoots, Beacon Co-ordinator, on 01823 356603 or by email to: EShoots@somerset.gov.uk

Top of page