To receive apologies for absence from Members of the Committee

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Kevin Turley (substituted by Edward Towers) and Sian Lines, Diocese of Hereford.

Members are reminded that they must declare their disclosable pecuniary interests and other registrable or non-registrable interests in any matter being considered at the meeting as set out in Appendix B of the Members’ Code of Conduct and consider if they should leave the room prior to the item being considered. Further advice can be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

Councillor Ruth Houghton declared an interest in Agenda Item 7 – Youth Services.

The minutes of the last meeting, held on 17^th November 2021 are attached for confirmation.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 17^th November 2021 be approved as a true record and signed by the Chair.

To receive any public questions or petitions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.  The deadline for this meeting is 5PM on Thursday 24^th March 2022.

There were no questions from members of the public.

To receive any questions of which Members of the Council have given notice.

Deadline for notification: 5PM on Thursday 24^th March 2022.

Members questions had been received from Councillor Ruth Houghton in relation to children in education.

The questions and responses provided to them are available from the webpage for the meeting, in addition to the recording of the meeting:

Agenda for People Overview Committee on Wednesday, 30th March, 2022, 10.00 am — Shropshire Council

Scrutiny of the Stepping Stones project, including:

·       Rationale for project

·       Objectives

·       Achievements to date

Report from Sonya Miller, Assistant Director Children’s Social Care & Safeguarding

Contact – 01743 254264

Sonya Miller, Assistant Director Children’s Social Care & Safeguarding, gave a presentation to provide an update on the Stepping Stones project, which commenced in April 2021.

Stepping Stones is a holistic, psychologically informed approach which provides wrap around, customised support for children, young people and adults.

Members noted that the project involved multiple agencies, including schools, youth workers and police. The aim was to build on the success of the model to reach more families with the support of the Council and a system wide commitment.

Members raised concerns over the reduction in families applying to become foster carers and were informed that recruitment campaigns were being developed.

Queries were raised regarding the ways in which the quality of care was being monitored. Members were advised that there was a Quality Commissioning Lead who carries out inspections unannounced as well as internal checks and measures to ensure the quality of placements before children are placed. The team also work closely with parents to see that they are content.

It was questioned as to how many carers the team were looking to recruit and whether there were any opportunities to provide enhanced allowances for carers to make recruitment more attractive. Sonya Miller would provide a written response.

Members noted that an update would be brought back to a future meeting regarding day provision for mothers and babies which is appropriate for their needs.

Deputy Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, Councillor Nick Bardsley paid tribute to the team’s achievements and felt the difficulties encountered since the project began should not be underestimated.

It was agreed that a letter is to be sent to all staff to thank them for the recent Ofsted report.

A request was made for a progress update throughout the year.

To:

·       Scrutinise implementation of recent review of youth services.

·       Examine the effectiveness of the changes resulting from the implementation of the review findings.

Report from Francean Doyle – Early Help Management Team – TO FOLLOW

Contact - 01743 258558

Francean Doyle, Early Help Management Team, provided an update on the Early Help Detached Youth Support team following its formation in January 2021. The purpose of this team was to deliver detached (street based) youth work to engage with the most-hard to reach young people who do not attend open access youth provision, often occupying out door spaces such as, street corners, bus shelters, green spaces, shopping centres and other spaces young people chose to meet. These young people are often more vulnerable to risks such as Exploitation, Substance Misuse, Mental Health Issues, Crime and anti-social behaviour and School Exclusions.

Members noted that the team had experienced challenges in recruiting due to the national shortage of qualified youth workers and therefore explored using the apprenticeship levy to offer level 3 apprentice posts in Youth Work Practice wholly supporting a programme that will build capacity within the youth work sector. There had now been a full team since January 2022.

The team were concentrating on how they can measure the impact of what they do. A mobile app was being developed to assist with data gathering, to measure impact and interpret insights for future development of work.

Members raised the issue of anti-social behaviour. Members were advised that the team work closely with the Community Safeguarding Partnership and other partners to address issues.

Members also raised the issue of funding and questioned if longer term funding could be made available to Town and Parish Councils as this could make a significant difference to youth provision. Members also questioned the provision of youth support for those with disabilities. Members were advised that guidance was awaited on endowment funding for three years to support the voluntary community sector and Town and Parish Councils. A consortium had been formed to commit funds for three years to include funding for children with SEN and disabilities.

A briefing note to Town and Parish Councils was requested to provide support to them.

Members noted that a further update would be brought back to committee in three months.

Report of the Scrutiny Officer is attached

Contact:  Danial Webb (Tel: 01743 258509)

Members agreed the proposed committee work programme attached as appendix 1.

Members requested a picture of the situation in Shropshire with regards to child carers. It was noted that a briefing would be arranged and shared with all councillors.

To note that the next meeting of the People Overview Committee will be held at 10am on Monday 9^th May 2022.

Members noted that the next meeting will take place on Monday 9^th May 2022 at 10am.