whole populations, such as children and young people, if organisations or agencies work in isolation. No one organisation is responsible for ensuring children, young people and families have the opportunity to fulfil their learning potential and to live healthy and happy lives on their own. Rather, we recognise that we can only work towards realising this outcome if we co-ordinate and deliver services together.
• The proportion of babies who are breast fed at birth has risen from 57% in 2006 to around 60% in 2010. While this is above the Wales figure (53%) it still compares unfavourably with rates in Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. • Immunisation rates are generally increasing, though second / booster vaccinations remain significantly lower than primary vaccinations. In general, take-up rates are lower in rural areas than urban areas and this might indicate a greater difficulty in accessing services. • The most recent Childcare Sufficiency Assessment found the number of child care places is declining (14.7 per 100 children, an 18% reduction since November 2010). A further area of concern is the uneven distribution of provision, which results in a lack of choice and availability, particularly in the north of the County and some areas in the south. There are also specific gaps around welsh medium provision and availability during holiday periods.
3.2 Where are we now? 3.2.1 The experiences of a child in early years (0-7 years old) are critical to an individual’s overall progress and development. We have given particular significance to the early years health of children and the health of their families. As the evidence suggests, this has a major influence on physical and emotional development, attainment levels, lifestyle choices and future health and well-being. Poor health is also far likelier to be an issue for children and young people living in poverty.
3.2.2 Access to quality learning and training opportunities is vital if children and young people are to reach their full potential. We will strive to deliver services which enable learners from all backgrounds the opportunity to access quality learning opportunities in both formal and non-formal settings.
• The proportion of low birth weight babies (single births under 2.5 kg) provides an indication of general maternal health. The low birth weight of babies is linked to infant mortality and also to a slightly increased risk of developmental complications. Pembrokeshire’s rate was 6.5% in 2010, which was below the Welsh rate of 7%, but higher than rates in our neighbouring areas of Ceredigion (4.9%) and Carmarthenshire (5.5%).
• At present, the Local Authority’s education services for children and young people – as well as its capacity to improve – have been deemed to be unsatisfactory by Estyn. • In 2012, performance in Pembrokeshire’s primary schools did not compare well to similar schools in other authorities. The percentage of learners gaining the Foundation Phase indicator was below the average for Wales. In Key Stage 2, the percentage gaining the core subject indicator was similar to the Wales average, having been above this average in previous years. 9