Children’s 0 to 5 JSNA (2022) - Publications

Warwickshire's population of young children is expected to grow significantly over the coming years.

The county's child population is becoming increasingly diverse, with greater ethnic diversity among younger age groups than in the wider population.

Health inequalities remain a significant challenge, particularly in more deprived communities in Nuneaton and Bedworth, Rugby town centre and parts of Warwick district.

Children growing up in low-income families are more likely to experience poorer health, lower educational attainment and reduced life opportunities.

Deprivation is strongly associated with lower levels of school readiness and poorer early childhood outcomes.

Overall rates of low birth weight in Warwickshire are lower than the England average, although inequalities exist between different communities and population groups.

Maternal obesity, smoking during pregnancy and teenage pregnancy are more common in the north of the county and in more deprived areas.

Maternal mental health is an important factor influencing both parental wellbeing and child development, with deprivation increasing the likelihood of support needs.

Parenting and antenatal education can improve outcomes for families, but current provision does not reach all expectant parents equally across Warwickshire.

Many factors associated with poor birth outcomes are preventable and could be reduced through earlier support and targeted interventions.

Breastfeeding rates at birth are generally above the national average, although there is a significant drop in breastfeeding by 6-8 weeks and gaps in the available data.

Childhood obesity is lower than the England average overall but remains a concern in North Warwickshire and Nuneaton and Bedworth, with inequalities linked to deprivation.

Oral health outcomes are generally better than national averages, although tooth decay remains more common in some parts of the county.

Immunisation uptake is high for younger children but reduces as children get older, particularly for pre-school booster vaccinations and second doses of MMR.

Babies, young children and their parents can be significantly affected by domestic abuse, highlighting the importance of early identification and support.

More local intelligence is needed to fully understand speech, language and communication needs among young children.

Hospital attendances and admissions fell during the COVID-19 pandemic but have since increased towards previous levels.

Boys are more likely than girls to attend A&E and be admitted to hospital.

Children living in more deprived communities experience higher rates of emergency attendances and admissions.

Unintentional injuries remain a major cause of hospital admission in young children and represent an important health inequality.

Many of these injuries are preventable through improved awareness, safer home environments and coordinated prevention activity.

Most deaths among children aged 0-5 occur during the neonatal period and are linked to congenital conditions or complications around birth.

Infant mortality rates are higher in the more deprived northern parts of the county, reflecting wider health inequalities.

Smoking and unsafe sleeping practices are among the most common modifiable factors associated with child deaths.

Warwickshire's stillbirth rate is lower than the national average overall, although recent increases require ongoing monitoring and investigation.

Many health visiting performance measures compare favourably with national averages, though parents report wanting greater support during some stages of their child's development.

School readiness remains a significant challenge, with almost three in ten children not achieving a Good Level of Development by the end of Reception.

Children who are disadvantaged or have special educational needs and disabilities experience the largest gaps in school readiness outcomes.

There is evidence that children who are not school ready are more likely to experience poorer educational and social outcomes later in life.

Early Help services are increasingly supporting families before needs escalate, but many young children continue to enter services at higher levels of need.