Minutes for Children & Young People Scrutiny Commission meeting, Dec 1 2008, 7.00PM official page

2.1.  Urgent Items

There were no urgent items.

2.2.  Order of Business

The order of business was as per the agenda.

There were none.

4.1.  Cllr Plouviez asked for clarification in relation to the second paragraph on page nine of the agenda.  In particular the suggestion that “Children’s Centres have to have day care”.  This is not accurate, as Ms Brown explained that only phase one Children’s Centres were required to provide day care.

4.2.  Otherwise, the minutes of the 3^rd November were confirmed by those present as a true and accurate record.

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Commission meeting on 3^rd November be agreed as a true and accurate record.

4.3.  Matters Arising

Ms Brown confirmed that three of the six strategic Children’s Centres have local Councillors on their mailing lists.

Cllr Siddiqui provided the Commission with an update on two conferences he has attended recently:

§  One was a conference for School Governors organised by the Learning Trust at the Haggerston School.  Keynote speakers included Rani King from the Department for Children Schools and Families.  Cllr Siddiqui attended breakout sessions on community cohesion and wellbeing of children.  Cllr Siddiqui commented that this session wasn’t geared to understanding the wellbeing of others.  Had he been given information on the sessions beforehand Cllr Siddiqui might have made different choices.

The second conference was on the topic of teenage pregnancy and was hosted by the Local Government Association.  Input was provided from both local authority and primary care trust representatives.  Hackney was praised in particular for having lowered its rate of teenage pregnancy and Cllr Krishna was one of the three speakers on this topic.  Cllr Siddiqui referenced an article from the Sunday Times on 30^th November 2008 which stated that the UK is the worst performing nation in Europe with regard to reducing teenage pregnancy, and he emphasised the importance public agencies working together to support and protect our young people.

6.1.  Cllr Icoz introduced Yvonne Servante (Deputy Director for Learning and Standards) and Helen McNulty (14-19 Strategy Co-ordinator), from The Learning Trust, and invited them to introduce the report on Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) services.

6.1.1.  Ms McNulty began by explaining that a Service Improvement Review had begun last year.  It made four key recommendations, the main one of which was to conduct an audit of the service.  This task involved interviewing careers personnel across the Borough and commissioning a group of ten 16-19 year olds to interview their peers.

6.1.2.  The audit report recommended that there be:

§  greater involvement of children and young people in the design of IAG services

§  further involvement of parents

§  a greater volume of advertising, for example, on the walls of every college

§  further consideration of equalities and diversity

§  better collaboration between providers

§  development of IAG staff in the Borough

6.1.3.  With regard to staff development, Ms McNulty explained that teachers will receive some of this as part of their remit but that specialists, with time to dedicate to the role, are needed.  As such, the Learning Trust has recruited a Teaching and Learning Consultant who will commence work in the Borough next year.  This post holder will work with schools and other providers to make sure that IAG is useful, effective and meeting need.

6.1.4.  Ms McNulty informed the Commission that Ofsted had made an interim visit and described progress of the service as excellent.  The inspectorate also noted that few, if any, other Boroughs had taken the positive step of auditing their service in this way.

6.1.5.  Cllr Icoz invited Ms Servante to add any comments. The Deputy Director concurred with Ms McNulty’s presentation.

6.1.6.  Cllr Icoz then invited Members to pose any questions to the guests.

6.2.  Questions and Answers

Cllr Plouviez asked for comment on implications of staff transfer from Connexions  to the Youth Service and what the current figures are for use of the IAG function.

Ms McNulty explained that she was unable to comment on the IAG service outside of school provision, commissioned by The Learning Trust.

Cllr Plouviez commented that it would be helpful for the report to highlight this distinction, adding that it was not clear why the Commission is considering this item.

Ms McNulty added that approximately half of the former Connexions staff had stayed with the service (under its new providers) and half are engaged in targeted work with Youth Support Teams.

Cllr Plouviez queried how staff in different organisations are able to link with the IAG service, if not through Connexions.

Ms McNulty stated that all officers use the same reporting system and that any support that IAG Advisers have access too (such as national training) is open to others too.

Cllr Plouviez clarified that her question related more to the resources that are available, particularly to former Connexions staff who are now working within the social services function.

Ms McNulty suggested that those officers would come  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

7.1.  Cllr Icoz asked Ms Servante to introduce the report on restorative approaches to establish behaviour for learning.

7.1.1.  Ms Servante reminded the Commission that its Youth and Crime Review Report had reflected on the correlation between external exclusion and youth crime.  The Commission has asked for an update regarding work on reducing exclusion.  This report describes the positive effects of restorative approaches in some secondary schools to date.

7.1.2.  Staff in the secondary schools concerned received world class training on the use exclusion and its impact on a child’s ability to learn.  Ms Servante informed Members that, since restorative approaches have been introduced, they have had a significant impact in the Borough as detailed in the report.

7.1.3.  Ms Servante also highlighted that, even though the training had been delivered mid-way through the year there had still been an average 38 per cent reduction in fixed period exclusions.

7.1.4.  Cllr Icoz invited Members to discuss the report and ask questions.

7.2.  Questions and Answers

Cllr Plouviez asked whether restorative approaches were being applied in mixed schools.

Ms Servante confirmed that this is the case, and that restorative approaches are also being used in academies and will be extended to others.  The initial focus was on schools with the highest number of exclusions.

Cllr Plouviez inquired as to how learning is shared with academy schools and how buy-in is secured.

The Deputy Director for Learning and Standards explained that the Learning Trust has identified a strategic lead with each school and that there is a whole borough strategy that specifies the need for  co-ordination in this regard.

Cllr Siddiqui asked how good practice will be spread to other schools in the Borough.

Ms Servante informed the Commission that the training provider has been asked to continue working with schools to help embed the learning.  It has been found that the approach benefits greatly from intensive training, which can’t be passed on and embedded solely through written exposition.  Schools want to do their best and improve in this area and the Learning Trust will continue to encourage them.

Cllr Shaikh questioned whether exclusion is a particular factor among certain ethnic groups and what solutions have been identified.

Ms Servante stated that data indicates a higher rate of exclusion among boys of Afro-Caribbean heritage.  The approach is to embed general good practice across all schools and communities, with a focus on the most disadvantaged.  Although there are peaks in specific communities, Ms Servante explained that the actual numbers are relatively low and that the Learning Trust is working with other agencies on specific cases to provide ‘whole family’ solutions.

Ms Servante added that there has been an increase in absenteeism among white boys also.

Cllr Shaikh inquired whether co-education is a factor that can affect behaviour.

The Deputy Director for Learning and Standards acknowledged that there are differences in behaviour between genders, adding that poor behaviour is more likely among boys.

Mr Withers, a member of the public and student journalist, asked  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Examples of how parents and families have benefited from the provision of integrated early years services, and how they have access them.

Cllr Taylor drew Members attention to the scenarios contained within the report which may be used to inform the Commission’s thinking  for it’s reviews.  The Chair thanked Ms Brown and other external sources for providing the information.

Reflections on evidence heard to date and suggestions for recommendations.

9.1.  Cllr Taylor welcomed Philippa Cox, Consultant Midwife, and Rachel Turner, Public Health Specialist, both from the Homerton Hospital, to the meeting. 

9.1.1.  Maternity Services at the Homerton Hospital had provided a written submission to the Commission’s current review. Ms Cox and Ms Turner were attending the meeting to introduce and discuss its content.

9.1.2.  Ms Turner gave apologies on behalf of Jane Kennedy, Acting Head of Midwifery at the Homerton University Hospital, who would like to have attended the meeting.

9.1.3.  Ms Turner explained that the paper submitted to the Commission outlines the unit’s work in developing a new Maternity Strategy.  Ms Turner prefaced her in introduction by proposing to focus on early years provision and the work of Children’s Centres.

9.1.4.  Ms Turner stated that the paper provides an overview of Homerton University Hospital’s maternity provision, including ante natal services, post natal care provided in the community (by GPs, Children’s Centres, etc.).  Approximately 80 per cent of City and Hackney mothers deliver at the Homerton and all receive post natal care from the it.

9.1.5.  Ms Turner explained that much of the strategy is geared towards improving joint working with other agencies.  The work of maternity services covers only a small portion of a child’s first five years but can have an important impact.

9.1.6.  Members were informed that the Strategy is being developed by a partnership group.  Its draft is being consulted on widely, with a focus on building a high-level vision for the next five years.  There is particular interest in:

§  raising awareness of access for early booking (which should be less than twelve weeks)

§  strengthening choice and a mothers option to be seen in community settings

§  reducing inequalities, particularly identifying vulnerable women

9.1.7.  Ms Cox added that there are twelve midwives based in Children’s Centres throughout the Borough.  They deliver services such as ante natal care, post natal care, and breastfeeding drop-ins.  These midwives also working with health visitors on parenting classes.

9.1.8.  Cllr Taylor thanked both guests for their contribution, commenting that much of what they had described, and could be read in the report, Members had witnessed during their earlier site visits.

9.1.9.  The Chair invited Members to discuss the report and ask questions.

9.2.  Questions and Answers

Cllr Taylor began by suggesting that, in describing the overall vision in Section 5 of the report, the strategy might at “to assist parents and mothers in access to other services provided for 0-5 year old children”.

Cllr Kelly concurred with this point.

Ms Neidich commented that, on recent visits to Children’s Centres, Members had first heard about services from their midwives, whereas the middle class mothers hand found the Centres for themselves.  Ms Neidich added that, whilst this demonstrates that the policy is working, informing all parents about available services ought to be a conscious part of the job.

Cllr Siddiqui explained that he has a long association with the Homerton Hospital questioned whether the organisation had learnt or shared any  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

10.1.  Cllr Taylor introduced Ms Haggarty and invited her to address the Commission.

10.1.1.  Ms Haggarty explained that she is a young mother with a three year old child.  Ms Haggarty finds herself in a situation whereby if she works more than 16 hours per week she cannot afford to provide care for her child.  If, as previously, she works 36 hours per week she still has to pay £210 per week in day care fees, despite of tax credits.  Ms Haggarty stated that she thought if you were working, you’re supposed to be able to earn more money.  Even now, when working 16 hours per week, Ms Haggarty has to find money for care when she is at work.  Ms Haggarty only works four days per week (including Sundays) and would like to know what support is available to her.

10.1.2.  Cllr Taylor asked Ms Haggarty what advice she has been given to date.

10.1.3.  Ms Haggarty explained that the best situation for her financially is to work 16 hours per week and stay at home for the rest.  Ms Haggarty wanted to be very clear that she wants to work and does not want to live on benefits.

10.1.4.  Cllr Taylor stated that Ms Haggarty is in the classic example of a poverty trap and it may be that she has not received the right advice.  Cllr Taylor suggested that he and Ms Brown should meet Ms Haggarty separately after the meeting to discuss her case in private and offer support.

ACTION

That Cllr Taylor and Ms Brown meet Ms Haggarty after the meeting to discuss her case in private and suggest further steps she might take.

10.2.  Cllr Taylor asked Members for their views on taking a different approach to the forthcoming review of CAMHs.  This might involve cancelling one or two evening meetings in favour of a single day spent taking evidence.

10.2.1.  Mrs Edwards suggested that it might depend on the date and Cllr Icoz state that the location of the evidence gathering would also be an important factor.

10.2.2.  Cllr Siddiqui commented that diary dates can often overlap and that it is easier for some people to make daytime meetings than others.  This would include officials and members of the public.

10.2.3.  Cllr Taylor added that weekends can also be difficult for many.

10.2.4.  Ms Neidich suggested that it would depend what is being scrutinised and what style of scrutiny is required.  Cllr Icoz added that a consideration of the approach would be needed.

10.2.5.  Cllr Taylor suggested that a combination of approaches could be use, including and afternoon-evening session rather than all day.

10.2.6.  Cllr Plouviez added that the suggestion may be useful but would not be appropriate for her own circumstances due to being at work all day.

10.2.7.  Cllr Taylor concluded that this suggestion was not appropriate but may be in future for particular cases.

RESOLVED

That the Commission will continue with its existing approach to the CAMHS review and consider  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.