Agenda for Children & Young People Committee on Monday, 10th March, 2014, 4.00pm
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Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 225 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Hove Town Hall
Contact: Penny Jennings Democratic Services Officer
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Procedural Business (a) Declaration of Substitutes: Where Councillors are unable to attend a meeting, a substitute Member from the same Political Group may attend, speak and vote in their place for that meeting.
(b) Declarations of Interest:
(a) Disclosable pecuniary interests not registered on the register of interests; (b) Any other interests required to be registered under the local code; (c) Any other general interest as a result of which a decision on the matter might reasonably be regarded as affecting you or a partner more than a majority of other people or businesses in the ward/s affected by the decision.
In each case, you need to declare (i) the item on the agenda the interest relates to; (ii) the nature of the interest; and (iii) whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest or some other interest.
If unsure, Members should seek advice from the committee lawyer or administrator preferably before the meeting.
(c) Exclusion of Press and Public: To consider whether, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, or the nature of the proceedings, the press and public should be excluded from the meeting when any of the following items are under consideration.
NOTE: Any item appearing in Part Two of the Agenda states in its heading the category under which the information disclosed in the report is exempt from disclosure and therefore not available to the public.
A list and description of the exempt categories is available for public inspection at Brighton and Hove Town Halls. Minutes: 64a Declaration of Substitutes
64.1 Councillor Bennett was present in substitution for Councillor Brown.
60(b) Declarations of interest
64.2 Councillor Wealls declared a non pecuniary personal interest in items on the agenda by virtue of the fact that he was a trustee of the Impact Initiative.
60(c) Exclusion of Press and Public
64.3 In accordance with section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (“the Act”), the Committee considered whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during an item of business on the grounds that it was likely, in view of the business to be transacted or the nature of proceedings, that if members of the press and public were present during that item, there would be disclosure to them of confidential information (as defined in section 100A(3) of the Act) or exempt information (as defined in section 100(I) of the Act).
64.4 RESOLVED- That the press and public be not excluded from the meeting during consideration of any item on the agenda. |
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To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 13 January 2014 (copy attached). Minutes: 65.1 The Chair referred to an error in paragraph 52.2 of the minutes, Jennifer Gander a Senior Social Worker was the officer whose name should have been cited.
65.2 Councillor Wealls referred to the presentation given by representatives on behalf of the Youth Council stating that it would be helpful if Members could be given early notice of meeting dates and times as they had a number of commitments in their diaries tended to fill up very quickly.
62.3 Councillor Pissaridou stated that she would like to receive further information in relation to the level of subsidy in relation to school meals and it was agreed that this information would be provided to her as soon as possible.
65.4 RESOLVED – That subject to the amendment set out above in paragraph 65.1 above, the Chair be authorised to sign the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 13 January 2014 as a correct record. |
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Chair's Communications Minutes: Visit to Royal Spa Nursery
66.1 The Chair reported that since the previous meeting of the Committee the opportunity had arisen to visit the Royal Spa Nursery.
PaCC Champions 2013
66.2 The Chair explained that in late 2013, PaCC had sought nominations from parents of children with special needs in Brighton & Hove for those who had made the biggest impact on their lives during 2013. The winners of the annual awards for 2013 had recently been announced; awards for professionals and volunteers, individuals or teams who did outstanding work with families of disabled children and young people and who had gone above the call of duty in the support they had given to them.
66.3 The Chair was pleased to be able to report that the following had been announced as PaCC Champions for 2013:
Education: Ollie Kendal, Senco and Teacher; Blatchington Mill School; Social Care: Clare King, Youth Worker, Brighton & Hove City Council Youth Service
Apprenticeships - Update
66.4 The Chair stated that she was pleased to announce that since the last meeting of the Committee 15 new apprenticeship opportunities had been put into place using a targeted approach and 2-8 week work placement programme. This number was made up as follows:
· 6 x ICT; · 2 x Legal Services; · 1 X Democratic Services; · 3 x ASC Assessment Services; · 2 x. ASC Providers; and · 1 x Seaside View (Child Development Centre)
Position on 2014/15 Admissions
66.5 The Chair, Councillor Shanks stated that particular issues had arisen in relation to allocation of places in the Varndean and Dorothy Stringer catchment area during the current school admissions round. The Executive Director of Children’s Services had exercised his powers under the School Admissions Code in order to address this and she invited him to address the Committee thereon.
66.6 The Executive Director, Children’s Services made the following statement which explained the current situation fully and the measures being undertaken in order to address it.
“You will be aware that in this year’s school admissions round 22 pupils could not be allocated places within the Varndean and Dorothy Stringer catchment in which they lived. It is the first year in which this problem has arisen and we have been in discussion with both schools regarding possible options. I am, concerned that both schools are genuinely full with Published Admission Numbers that have increased significantly over the years and concerns expressed by Ofsted in its report about Dorothy Stringer about the building. I agree with the governing bodies and head teachers of the two schools that additional pupils above PAN may have an adverse effect on the performance of the school overall.
In recent days our admissions team have looked at whether or not it would be possible to prioritise from the Waiting List the children concerned to go to any places which become free in the catchment. The legal advice has been that there is no power to retrospectively change the admissions criteria in relation to the waiting list.
The local authority has therefore looked at an alternative methodology to address this problem, without changing the waiting list criteria, and which avoids imposing upon the schools more pupils than is in the interests of the school as a whole. Modelling of the waiting list in previous years has demonstrated that it is usual for in excess of 22 places to become available within catchment between offer day and the start of the school year, as pupils choose to take up alternatives or move house.
I have therefore decided in the current exceptional circumstances I will exercise my powers under the School Admissions Code to direct Varndean and Dorothy Stringer Schools to admit in 2014/15 those children now living within the Dorothy Stringer and Varndean catchment area who have expressed a preference for both of the schools within their catchment on or before the closing date on 31 October 2013, and who are not already allocated a place within this catchment, or at a school which was a higher preference, for admission in 2014/15. This will be a temporary increase and I want to make it clear it is not intended to represent an in year variation to the PAN. If and when places subsequently become available at either school, the number of places will drop back down to the PAN, and places will not be offered from the reallocation pool until the numbers in the year group have dropped to below the published admission number in the usual way. The Waiting List will remain as published and continue to be operated in accordance with the Council’s published admissions policy.
The school to be allocated to this group under my direction will be selected via random allocation in accordance with the existing allocation criteria. Parents will of course still have the right of appeal as with any existing offer. The closing date for appeals is March 31.
The allocation to this group of pupils will be notified to their parent or carer after midday tomorrow.
I believe this will remove uncertainty and allow secondary schools to work with the relevant primary schools to provide a better transition into secondary school, whilst at the same time protecting Varndean and Dorothy Stringer from numbers which are not in the interests of the whole school community.
These developments have reinforced the need to address an issue which is referred to in the School Organisation Plan paper which members are due to consider this evening – which is the need to keep the catchments and admissions process under review as populations change.”
66.7 RESOLVED – That the contents of the Chair’s communications be received and noted. |
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Call Over (a) Items (x – x) will be read out at the meeting and Members invited to reserve the items for consideration.
(b) Those items not reserved will be taken as having been received and the reports’ recommendations agreed. Minutes: 67.1 All of the reports on the agenda were called for discussion. |
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Public Involvement To consider the following matters raised by members of the public:
(a) Petitions: to receive any petitions presented to the full council or at the meeting itself;
(b) Written Questions: to receive any questions submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 3 March 2014;
(c) Deputations: to receive any deputations submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 3 March 2014. Minutes: 68a Petitions
68.1 There were none.
68b Written Questions
68.2 There were none.
68c Deputations
68.3 There were none. |
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Member Involvement To consider the following matters raised by Councillors:
(a) Petitions: to receive any petitions submitted to the full Council or at the meeting itself; (b) Written Questions: to consider any written questions; (c) Letters: to consider any letters; (d) Notices of Motion: to consider any Notices of Motion referred from Council or submitted directly to the Committee. Minutes: 69a Petitions
69.1 There were none.
69b Written Questions
69.2 There were none.
69c Letters
69.3 There were none.
69d Notices of Motion
69.4 There were none. |
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Ofsted Reports Update This is a Standing Item which provides the opportunity for officers to update the Committee on Ofsted reports received since the last meeting of the Committee and on other relevant issues. Minutes: 70.1 The Head of Standards Achievement, Education and Inclusion gave a presentation providing an update on Ofsted inspections carried out and published between the Committees’ January meeting and March 2014, highlighting the headline results and future focus for the LA as outlined in the schedule circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting.
70.2 It was noted that changes had been made to the framework for Ofsted inspections in January 2014 and that the framework was “tweaked” each term. The behaviour and safety section had been re-worked and there had also been a focus on looking at pupils who made better progress than expected. Bullet points had been added to the section covering Leadership and Management t in order to stress the importance of aspiration and the expectation placed on senior leaders to promote improvement across the system.
70.3 Full Inspections had been carried at St Mary Magdalen Catholic Primary School and Hangleton Junior School and HMI Monitoring visits had taken place at Longhill High School and at St Mark’s Church of England Primary School. There had been a positive outcome at Hangleton Junior’s where they had received a judgement of “good” from “satisfactory” in 2012. On line information had suggested that St Mary Magdalen was at risk of going into a category. However, the work the school team had been doing to raise standards and achievement and the progress already made had been recognised.
70.4 The HMIs who had visited both St Mark’s and Longhill had observed that progress had been and was continuing to be made at both schools.
70.5 RESOLVED – That the contents of the presentation and schedule be noted. |
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Education Capital Programme
Report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED – (1) That the level of available capital resources totalling £8.887 million for investment relating to education buildings financed from capital grant, revenue contributions and borrowing be noted; and
(2) That the Committee agree to allocation of funding as shown in appendices 2 and 3 and recommend this to Policy and Resources Committee on 20 March 2014 for inclusion within the council’s Capital Investment Programme 2014/15. Minutes: 71.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services detailing the proposed Education Capital Programme. The purpose of the report was to inform the Committee of the level of available capital resources allocated to this service for 2014/15, to recommend a Capital Investment Programme for 2014/15 and to allocate funding available in the capital programme under Structural Maintenance, Pupil Places and Condition Investment for 2014/15.
71.2 The Head of Education Planning and Contracts explained that previously the Committee had received a preliminary report to its January meeting with a more detailed follow up report going forward to its March meeting. This year all of the available information had been brought together as a composite report for consideration by the Committee at its March meeting. The report set out the level of resources available over the next three years. The level of funding provided represented a significant improvement on that provided the previous year in recognition of the additional resources required to provide additional number school places over the coming years. Notwithstanding that this increased level of funding would assist future planning similar funding levels would also be required for 2016/17 and beyond in order to address on-going challenges.
71.3 Details of the settlement were set out in the report and in addition to the resources identified, the Department for Education would also allocate funding for expenditure at voluntary aided schools across the city under several headings. The extent of the works to be carried out determined by the condition surveys would also form the subject of further discussions with individual schools.
71.4 Councillor Buckley referred to the proposed allocation of funding for solar panels and sought clarification regarding the process by which the allocation of this fund would be determined. Councillor Buckley wished to know whether there was commitment to rolling this programme out across all of the city’s schools and specifically whether solar panels were to be provided at the converted former police station in Holland Road, which would operate as an extension to West Hove Junior School. It was explained that a review was taking place of current projects and that works decisions would be made as a result of this review. The Chair, Councillor Shanks explained that meetings were in the process of being arranged with Friends of the Earth who would be able to give input regarding the most sustainable options available.
71.4 Councillor Pissaridou referred to the agreement that had been given (paragraph 3.30) to the necessity for the Holland Road annexe to West Hove Junior School, to become four forms of entry rather than three as originally proposed stating that she did not recall Committee authority being given for this. It was confirmed however that following the statutory consultation process the Committee had agreed at its meeting held on 14 October 2013 to expand West Hove Junior School by three forms of entry in September 2014 and four forms of entry from September 2015.
71.5 RESOLVED – (1) That the level of available capital resources totalling £8.887 million for investment relating to education buildings financed from capital grant, revenue contributions and borrowing be noted; and
(2) That the Committee agree to allocation of funding as shown in appendices 2 and 3 and recommend this to Policy and Resources Committee on 20 March 2014 for inclusion within the council’s Capital Investment Programme 2014/15. |
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Brighton & Hove School Organisation Plan 2013-2017 Report of the Executive Director, Children’s Services (copy to follow) Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED - (1) That the Committee has considered and commented upon the School Organisation Plan 2013 – 2017; and
(2)That the Committee recommends the Council at its meeting on 27 March 2014 to approve the Plan subject to any comments the Committee wishes to make. Minutes: Note: The special circumstances for non-compliance with Council Procedure Rule 3, Access to Information Procedure Rule 5 and Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), (items not considered unless the agenda is open to inspection at least five days in advance of the meeting) were thatin the light of information in this report about the allocation of secondary school places it would have been inappropriate to publish this information in advance of 3 March 2014, which was the national offer day in 2014 for all secondary school place offers as set out in the statutory School Admissions Code.
72.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services seeking approval of the School Organisation Plan 2013 - 2017. The Committee was required to consider the Plan and then to make recommendations to the full Council which had the authority to approve it.
72.2 The Head of Education Planning and Contracts explained that the City Council had a statutory duty to secure sufficient, suitable school places for children of compulsory school age within its area. These places might be in any type of school, including local authority maintained schools, academies and free schools. With the introduction of Raising the Participation Age legislation, the Council also had a duty to ensure there was sufficient suitable education and training provision for all young people aged 16 -19 and for those aged 20 - 24 with a Learning Difficulty Assessment in its area. Whilst it was no longer a requirement to produce a School Organisation Plan it was good practice to do so and was a useful tool for forward planning.
72.3 The School Organisation Plan focused mainly on the duty to secure sufficient, suitable school places for children of compulsory school age and included forecasts of future pupil numbers in the primary and secondary school sectors, the accommodation requirements arising from these forecasts, a broad outline of how these requirements might be met and the associated funding implications.
72.4 The Head of Education Planning and Contracts explained that it should be noted that the increase in primary age pupils which had been experienced across the city over the past ten years appeared to have reached its peak and that this number was now expected to decline from 2016 onwards. Notwithstanding that, the size of current cohorts would create significant and on-going challenges in terms of the need to secure sufficient primary and secondary school places over the coming years and discussions were taking place with school heads and governors in order to identify the best means of addressing the remaining primary places issues and the continuing challenge in relation to secondary school places.
72.5 Substantial funding would be required to meet the needs identified by the Plan and whilst the increases in funding announced by the Secretary of State in December 2013 for the 3 year period 2014/15 to 2016/17 would assist in that process, similar allocations would be needed in subsequent years in order to continue to secure sufficient secondary school places for the growing number of secondary school students. Application of the secondary admissions procedures for 2014 had revealed significant pressures on the present arrangements and in consequence it was proposed that an urgent review was commenced in the current year. Arrangements to address issues arising in respect of school admissions for 2015-16 were the subject of a separate report (Item 73) on the agenda.
72.6 Councillor Pissaridou stated that whilst noting the work that had been achieved she was disappointed that further work was required, especially in relation to the issue of school places. The Executive Director of Children’s Services explained that the level of grant awarded for the three year period to 2017 had not been notified until December 2013. The recognition of the city’s need for new school places was welcomed as it would provide a good basis for planning and securing new provision, notwithstanding that some challenges remained.
72.7 Councillor Wealls stated that in his view the demography of different localities in the city could have an impact on forward planning. He enquired to what degree it was possible to predict changing numbers by use of GP registers and other indicators and how this could be utilised in order to consider potential alternative strategies. Councillor Wealls suggested that figures could also be affected by families moving into the area. The Head of Education Planning and Contracts stated that a number of information sources were used including analysis of demographic cycles but that a cautious approach had to be adopted in respect of figures for later years. A balance needed to be struck between ensuring sufficient school places in areas of highest demand whilst making best use of spare places occurring mainly in schools located at the edge of the city.
72.8 Mr Jeffery, Parent Forum stated that there needed to be greater clarity for parents. The Executive Director of Children’s Services stated that it was recognised that there was an urgent need to review current arrangements for secondary school admissions to ensure that the local authority was able to offer high levels of certainty for children and families and the levels of clarity and transparency that were required.
72.9 Councillor Wealls stated that he was in agreement that there was a need for clarity and that there needed to be further discussion regarding the arrangements to be put in place and for the adoption of a consistent approach. Councillor Pissaridou concurred with this view. It was confirmed that further discussions would take place at meetings of the Cross Party School Organisation Working Group and that further reports would come before the Committee in relation to the review of the current admission arrangements and on other related matters.
72.10 Councillor Lepper stated that it was unfortunate that the distribution and disparity of school places across the city continued to be an issue, given that this was not a new problem. It was disappointing that measures brought in a few years ago to address this problem had ultimately not done so and now required review.
72.11 Councillor Simson referred to specific difficulties in Saltdean where places at the local primary school were limited and the area straddled the border with the neighbouring authority. It was explained that the local authority gave priority to those living within its own catchment area, whilst working closely with the neighbouring authorities who were experiencing similar problems. The capital programme included provision for a further form of entry at Saltdean Primary School from September 2015 (subject to consultation) and it was proposed that this should be preceded by a “bulge” reception class in September 2014.
72.12 Councillor Buckley referred to the adverse impact that new housing could have on school places, if not accompanied by a sufficiently high Section 106 contribution from the developer to mitigate against any potential disbenefit citing pressures on Davigdor Infant School in her own Ward as an example.
72.13 Councillor Pissaridou stated that she considered the Plan to be a work in progress and as some elements of it (school places) would require further work over coming months she considered that the School Organisation Plan and its contents should be referred to Full Council by the Committee rather than recommended to it, to do otherwise would be premature. This was put as a formal amendment proposed by Councillor Pissaridou and seconded by Councillor Wealls and Members voted to agree that the resolution to Full Council should be put as set out below.
72.14 RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND - (1)That the Committee has considered and commented upon the School Organisation Plan 2013 – 2017; and
(2) The Committee refers it to the Council at its meeting on 27 March 2014 to approve the Plan subject to any comments the Committee wishes to make. |
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Admission arrangements for Brighton & Hove schools 2015-2016
Report of the Executive Director, Children’s Services (copy to follow) Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED – (1) That the proposed school admission numbers set out in the consultation documents be adopted for the admissions year 2015/16;
(2) That the admission priorities for Community Schools set out in the Consultation documents be adopted for all age groups;
(3) That the Council should review the final version of the Cardinal Newman Catholic School and King’s School admission arrangements (as amended in light of the Diocesan response and parental and school responses) to decide whether it should comment further;
(4)That the co-ordinated schemes of admission be approved;
(5) That the City boundary be retained as the relevant area for consultation for school admissions; and
(6) That the operation of the council’s relocation pool (also known as waiting list) for each catchment shall give priority to any child still living within their catchment area, who has applied for a school place within catchment before the closing date for the relevant school year, and who was not allocated a placement within the catchment for the relevant year (amendment agreed at the meeting). Minutes:
Note: The special circumstances for non-compliance with Council Procedure Rule 3, Access to Information Procedure Rule 5 and Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), (items not considered unless the agenda is open to inspection at least five days in advance of the meeting) were that in the light of information in this report about the allocation of secondary school places it would have been inappropriate to publish this information in advance of 3 March 2014, which was the national offer day in 2014 for all secondary school place offers as set out in the statutory School Admissions Code.
73.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services setting out the proposed school admission arrangements for 2015/16.
73.2 It was noted that each year local authorities were required to consult upon school admission arrangements and school admission numbers with community schools and voluntary aided schools, neighbouring Local Authorities and with parents living in the City. This process included the proposed admission priorities for community schools and those proposed by the governing bodies of voluntary aided schools and academies. This consultation took place approximately 18 months in advance of the school year in which pupils would be admitted under the proposed arrangements. The consultation papers for the 2015/16 admission year for Brighton & Hove had been circulated at Appendix 1 to the report.
73.3 It was also a requirement that local authorities set out schemes for co-ordinated admissions, including key dates in the admission process, and the arrangements for consultation with Voluntary Aided schools in the City and with other local authorities, to establish the “relevant area” within which the admission consultation should take place.
73.4 The consultation process had needed to be concluded by 1 March 2014, with a minimum of 8 weeks consultation time and this requirement had been fulfilled. The City Council also needed to have reached its decisions and confirmed its admission arrangements for 2015/16 by 15 April 2014 in order to conform to the requirements of the School Admissions Code.
73.5 The Head of Education, Planning and Contracts explained that the current arrangements had worked well, however, in view of the measures detailed by the Executive Director which had needed to be made in the current year and in view of the need to create additional school places across the city in future years it was timely for the existing arrangements for secondary school admissions to be reviewed. In answer to questions it was explained that the date(s) by which application forms were due for return was prescribed by Government policy. There was a gap in time between receipt of forms and the allocation of places.
73.6 The Chair stated that in order to address the issues raised it was proposed that the recommendations in the report be amended in order for an additional resolution (no 6) to be added as set out below. This was proposed by the Chair, Councillor Shanks and seconded by the Deputy Chair, Councillor Buckley: The amendment was as follows:
“(6) That the operation of the council’s reallocation pool (also known as waiting list) for each catchment shall give priority to any child still living within their catchment area, who has applied for a school place within catchment before the closing date for the relevant school year, and who was not allocated a placement within the catchment for the relevant year.”
73.7 A vote was taken and the recommendations set out in the report including the proposed amendment were agreed on a vote of 8 to 2.
73.8 RESOLVED – (1) That the proposed school admission numbers set out in the consultation documents be adopted for the admissions year 2015/16;
(2) That the admission priorities for Community Schools set out in the Consultation documents be adopted for all age groups;
(3) That the Council should review the final version of the Cardinal Newman Catholic School and King’s School admission arrangements (as amended in light of the Diocesan response and parental and school responses) to decide whether it should comment further;
(4)That the co-ordinated schemes of admission be approved;
(5) That the City boundary be retained as the relevant area for consultation for school admissions; and
(6) That the operation of the council’s relocation pool (also known as waiting list) for each catchment shall give priority to any child still living within their catchment area, who has applied for a school place within catchment before the closing date for the relevant school year, and who was not allocated a placement within the catchment for the relevant year (amendment agreed at the meeting).
Note: Councillor Pissaridou voted against the recommendations. |
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Relationships and Sex Education in Brighton & Hove Schools Report of the Executive Director, Children’s Services (copy attached) Decision: RESOLVED (1) That the Committee supports the review and development of the local authority Sex and Relationships Education: Guidance for Schools (2003) by Children’s Services and the Public Health Team in consultation with schools, children and young people and key local and national partners in Health and the Community and Voluntary Sector; and
(2) A draft of the revised guidance to be discussed and agreed at Committee in the Autumn Term of 2014. - Minutes: 74.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services the purpose of which was to brief Members on the quality and effectiveness of Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) in Brighton & Hove Schools This was in the context of the high profile being given to the subject nationally in supporting children and young people to understand concepts such as consent, and develop the skills to keep themselves safe and develop healthy relationships which are free from violence and exploitation.
74.2 The national guidance from the Department for Education on the delivery of Relationships and Sex Education had been published in 2000 and the council’s last local guidance for schools had been published in 2003.It was now considered appropriate and timely for this to be reviewed and updated in concert with schools, children and young people and key local and national partners in Health and the Community and Voluntary Sector.
74.3 Councillor A Kitcat welcomed the report and was pleased to note the strong statistical data available for Brighton and Hove seeking confirmation regarding mechanisms in place to identify strengths and weaknesses and how the city compared with neighbouring authorities. It was explained that some data was collected through the “Safe and Well at School” initiative, available data was shared and used to inform. Individual schools were responsible for delivery but advice and support was given in order to enable them to do so.
74.4 In answer to questions by Councillor Pissaridou it was confirmed that schools had a duty to inform parents prior to sex education being taught in schools, that statutory requirements needed to be met regarding the manner in which the subject was taught and that this was tailored in a way that was appropriate for the age group concerned.
74.5 Councillor Wealls commended the excellent work undertaken to date welcoming the revised guidance which it was anticipated would be brought back to the Committee for approval in the Autumn.
74.6 Councillor Gilbey referred to the a data available which indicated that 87% of students felt confident about using condoms correctly asking whether this was considered to be an accurate figure. It was confirmed that this was a self reported figure and that information on this issue was provided to student in part via their science curriculum and also included in PHSE lessons.
74.7 RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee supports the review and development of the local authority Sex and Relationships Education: Guidance for Schools (2003) by Children’s Services and the Public Health Team in consultation with schools, children and young people and key local and national partners in Health and the Community and Voluntary Sector; and
(2) That a draft of the revised guidance to be discussed and agreed at Committee in the Autumn Term of 2014. |
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Report of the Executive Director, Children’s Services (copy attached) Decision: RESOLVED - That the Committee support the establishment of a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub as previously agreed by Brighton & Hove’s Local Safeguarding Children’s Board Minutes: 75.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services which had been prepared in order to update Members with regard to the programme development being undertaken to establish a Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) in Brighton and Hove. The proposed programme aspired ultimately to establishment of a full MASH dealing with adults and children through a staged process. The first stage would be to establish a children’s MASH over the next few months. The report set out the intended structure and process for setting up the MASH including proposed governance arrangements and sought the Committees comments in respect the arrangements envisaged and commitment to this programme.
75.2 It was explained that the proposal had been discussed by the Brighton and Hove Local Safeguarding Children’s Board and other partner agencies who had agreed that a MASH would improve outcomes for children and eventually adults and had signed up to the concept of establishing the hub.
75.3 Mr Bartlett, the Chair of the Local Safeguarding Children Board confirmed his endorsement the MASH approach suggested which he considered represented a great step forward in seeking to provide greater levels of support and protection for vulnerable children.
75.4 The Chair, Councillor Shanks stated that it was considered that there were benefits to using standardised risk assessments and that it was hoped that the proposed arrangements could be put into place at an early date.
75.5 Councillor Pissaridou commended the positive direction being taken, hoping that best practice models used as part of a MASH approach by a number of London Authority could be considered as appropriate. Mrs Sjuve, Sussex Community NHS Trust also commended the approach suggested stating that she hoped reports providing an update on progress would be brought back before the Committee in due course.
75.6 RESOLVED - That the Committee support the establishment of a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub as previously agreed by Brighton & Hove’s Local Safeguarding Children’s Board. |
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Missing Children Policy and Practice Guidance
Report of the Executive Director, Children’s Services (copy attached) Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee notes the contents of the two new missing policy and guidance documents which seek to raise awareness of this high risk area of work; and
(2) That CYP Committee and members give this report endorsement in order that officers could work with to hold services to account on delivering the best possible services and outcomes and delivering the core principles set out in these documents. Minutes: 76.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services the purpose of which was to raise awareness of this high profile and high risk area of work in children’s services, an area whose profile is being raised nationally at policy, inspection and national media level; to allow members to have broad awareness of the processes which will be followed with young people, who may gain a high profile locally within different services and agencies due to repeated runaway/missing episodes and to give this important strategic policy within children’s services authority in terms of high level endorsement.
76.2 The Head of Service, Children in Need explained that the policy had been formulated as a response for the City Council to the DFE national ‘Statutory guidance on children who runaway or go missing from home or care’. It had been published in final draft in June 2013 and finalised in January 2014. This guidance set out some new requirements for Local Authorities and these were contained within the policy document itself.
76.3 Councillor Simson welcomed the report which represented a thorough approach particularly in respect of a cross border approach to be adopted in concert with East and West Sussex.
76.4 Mr Jeffery, Parent Forum also commended the approach being suggested, considering that it was also important for the process to be meaningful for the young people involved as well.
76.5 RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee notes the contents of the two new missing policy and guidance documents which seek to raise awareness of this high risk area of work; and
(2) That CYP Committee and members give this report endorsement in order that officers could work with to hold services to account on delivering the best possible services and outcomes and delivering the core principles set out in these documents. |
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Youth Information Advice and Counselling Services (YIACS) Report of the Executive Director, Children’s Services (copy attached) Decision: RESOLVED – (1) That the committee approves the procurement of a new and integrated Youth Information Advice and Counselling Service (YIACS), as set out in section 3 of the report ; and
(2) That the committee grants delegated authority to the Director of Children’s Services to award the contract following the recommendations of the evaluation panel and the results of the tendering process. Minutes: 77.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services proposing the commissioning of Youth Information, Advice and Counselling Services (YIACS), under the delegated authority of the Executive Director of Children’s Services, as a single point of access for young people across the city in order to improve outcomes for young people.
77.2 The Assistant Director Stronger Families, Youth and Communities explained that there was national and local evidence which confirmed the impact and value of YIACS, however, there had never been a joined up commissioning response to this provision in Brighton & Hove. With current funding arrangements, including key contracts, due for review before April 2015, there was an opportunity to commission an integrated, single point of entry YIACS service. It was proposed therefore to test the longer term sustainability of a one-stop-shop YIACS model in a city central location, drawing upon the needs assessment outlined in the commissioned report ‘Review of Youth Advice Services in Brighton & Hove’ (January 2013).
77.3 Councillor Wealls sought confirmation regarding the manner in which this provision would be delivered to ensure that a joined up approach was adopted and how this would be funded to housing provision for example in addition to other key elements. Councillor Simson also queried the how the proposed hub approach would operate effectively in practice given that provision would be split between two city centre locations albeit that they would be located a short distance apart.
77.4 In answer to further questions, the Service Manager, Employability explained that the potential for some satellite services would remain although this would be for pre-booked appointments, rather than for a drop in service. Funding would flow from the joint commissioning strategy and accordingly it was considered appropriate for the reasons set out in the report to review the broader scope of what was delivered.
77.5 Councillor Wealls sought clarification regarding the prospectus approach proposed and how that would work in practice, the Assistant Director Stronger Families, Youth and Communities explained that a prospectus approach comprising different elements was envisaged, the review would provide the opportunity to determine the approach which worked best.
77.6 Councillor Simson stated that whilst fully appreciating a hub approach she considered that there was merit in having some satellite units citing the successful provision of this approach in her own ward. The Assistant Director Stronger Families, Youth and Communities stated that issues such as this would be looked at as part of the review.
77.7 RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee approves the procurement of a new and integrated Youth Information Advice and Counselling Service (YIACS), as set out in section 3 of the report ; and
(2) That the committee grants delegated authority to the Director of Children’s Services to award the contract following the recommendations of the evaluation panel and the results of the tendering process.
Note: Councillors Simson and Wealls abstained from voting in respect of the above recommendations. |
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Parents Forum Presentation Update on the work of the Forum, including achievements and future plans. Minutes: 78.1 The Committee received a presentation from Mr Jeffery, one behalf of the Parent Forum representatives on the Committee. He explained that the Forum had been created to ensure that parent’s voices were heard at a decision making level in relation to children and young people’s services locally. It aimed to promote the inclusion of parents and carers across the city and to influence and improve children and young people’s services.
78.2 Mr Jeffery detailed recent work carried out by the Forum and outline future challenges and goals. It had been identified as very important to ensure timely information reached parents about changes to services and consultation exercises, that good and effective parent involvement and engagement took place, particularly feedback and ensuring that views of service users were fully considered and finding a balance between what service providers wanted to know from parents and issues that parents were interested in.
78.3 It was also explained that going forward the Forum would be providing feedback to parents from recent consultations, the Bullying Scrutiny and the Big Parenting Debate; ensuring parent involvement in the Early Help Strategy, particularly Priority 4: “To empower parents and carers to take positive control and resolve emerging problems in their own and their children’s lives; creating a leaflet for parents about bullying and top tips for schools on how to support parents with these issues, in partnership with the Healthy Schools Team; also, enabling the involvement of parents in the ongoing development of the Triple P Strategy.
78.4 RESOLVED – That the contents of the presentation be noted and received. |
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Items Referred For Council To consider items to be submitted to the [Insert Date] 2012 Council meeting for information.
In accordance with Procedure Rule 24.3a, the Committee may determine that any item is to be included in its report to Council. In addition, any Group may specify one further item to be included by notifying the Chief Executive no later than 10am on the eighth working day before the Council meeting at which the report is to be made, or if the Committee meeting take place after this deadline, immediately at the conclusion of the Committee meeting
Minutes: 79.1 Item 72. “Brighton & Hove School Organisation Plan 2013-2017” would be forwarded to full Council for approval as required under the Constitution. |