Agenda and draft minutes

The Evacuation Procedure was noted.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 13 October 2023.

The minuets of the meeting held on 13 October 2023 were confirmed as a correct record.

Members received feedback from a Corporate Parenting Self-Assessment, that had been undertaken.

RESOLVED that the feedback be noted.

The Board discussed strategic priorities and how a strategy would be developed.

Members considered some proposed strategic priorities:

•           Safe and stable homes – where children and young people feel safe, secure and cared for

•           Education, employment and training – Opportunities and support to achieve and progress

•           Connections and community – building and maintaining networks, opportunities to participate and have fun

•           Being heard – Supporting children and young people to share their views, wishes and feelings and ensuring we listen, feedback and take action

•           Healthy lives – having good physical and emotional health and wellbeing now and in the future

•           Prepared and Supported – helping our care experienced young people to prepare for adult lives

•           Being effective corporate parents – Supporting and advocating for our children and young people and challenging others to do the same

RESOLVED that the priorities be agreed

Members noted outcomes from a LGA Peer Challenge

RESOLVED that the outcomes be noted.

The Board considered a report that provided an update relating to services for care experienced young people.

The report included details of work undertaken and planned next steps.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

The Board considered a report that updated the Board on performance relating to young people, in Stockton, not in education, employment or training (NEET) and not known. This is influenced by a range of factors, one of which is the varied impact of Careers Guidance, in schools.

The report detailed that there were rising numbers of NEET and described their needs and profile.

The Board agreed that Education, Employment and Training of young people to be a key part of Powering Our Future

RESOLVED that the report be noted

Members were provided with an update on the No Limits Programme.

RESOLVED that the update be noted.

Consideration was given to a report relating to the Employability Pledge for Care Experienced Young People.

It was explained that the aims of the Employability Pledge were to ensure our care experienced young people:

• were better prepared and supported to live independently.

• had improved access to employment, education and training.

• experienced stability in their lives and felt safe and secure.

• achieved financial stability and independence.

It was suggested that Council Members be given the opportunity to endorse and sign the pledge at a meeting of Full Council.

RESOLVED that the Employability Pledge be noted and all Council members be given the opportunity to endorse and sign the Pledge, at a future Full Council meeting.

The Board discussed the membership, terms of reference and dates, times and venue of the Board, going forward.

Members considered the dates, times and venue of future meetings, taking account of feedback received from a LGA peer challenge. Members agreed that it was important to have children and young people present. Some members felt that they would benefit from some training/support, in terms of working with young people. It was agreed that a development session would be held, focused on this, where attendance would be voluntary. It was proposed that going forward, meetings would rotate between being business focused (reports, presentations by council officers and partner agencies) and development sessions which would be children and young people driven. It was agreed that this would commence from the April meeting, with the Board taking place on an evening and located at the No Limits hub to ensure that any young person attending would be in a more comfortable environment. It was also noted that members would like partner agencies to be invited to be part of the Board. Potential agencies discussed were Police, Fire Service, ICB, Harrogate and District Foundation Trust.

The Board also considered extending the scope of officers who attended meetings, to ensure that a corporate focus rather than just Children’s Services. Members agreed that this would be beneficial and that wider representation would be secured for the June meeting). It was recognised that a revised terms of reference would be drafted, for consideration by the Board and approval by Council.

RESOLVED that

1.         the discussion be noted

2.         a development session be held, focussing on members’ working with children and young people.

3.         going forward, meetings would rotate between being formal public meetings, of the Board, and development sessions (not public), which would be children and young people driven.

4.         from April, meetings of the Board would take place on an evening and be located at the No Limits hub to ensure that any young person attending would be in a more comfortable environment.

5.         that appropriate partner agencies and officers from other Council services be identified and invited to send representatives to future meetings.

6.         that a revised terms of reference be drafted, for consideration by the Board.

The Forward Plan was noted.