Contents

  1. Purpose and Scope
  2. Headline GLD Challenge
  3. Evidence of Need
  4. System and Service Analysis
  5. GLD Improvement Priorities
  6. Delivery Plan
  7. Outcomes, Measures and Learning
  8. Governance, Accountability and Partnership
  9. Risks, Assumptions and Mitigations
  10. Next Steps and Review Cycle
  11. Annex A
  12. Annex B
  13. Easy Read Version

2. Headline GLD Challenge

The most recent validated EYFSP data shows that 73.2% of children in Bexley achieved a Good Level of Development (2024/25), below the 80% local ambition and the national target of 75%. For children eligible for Free School Meals, outcomes are significantly lower, with 57.4% achieving GLD compared with the ambition of 61.8% by 2028.

These gaps reflect national patterns of inequality but also highlight persistent local disparities. To understand and respond to these challenges, the area has triangulated EYFSP performance with other indicators, including deprivation (IMD), children’s social care involvement, SEN sufficiency, and FSM eligibility. This data is being used to identify geographical clusters of need and to target the future Best Start Family Hub locations accordingly.

The central challenge is therefore twofold:

  1. Raising overall GLD outcomes, particularly in communication, early literacy and personal development
  2. Closing inequalities between disadvantaged and non‑disadvantaged children, including improving access to high‑quality early years provision and early support.