Agenda item

To consider the action plan for implementation of the review recommendations.

The Select Committee received an action plan in respect of its previous review of Holidays are Fun.

A presentation was also given which provided an update on progress to date. The presentation outlined:

·         The Team

·         Funding

·         Latest booking data

·         Update on the new booking system, including a demonstration at the meeting

·         Plans for the summer programme

Key issues highlighted and discussed included:

·         Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility had increased year on year in England although Government funding had reduced slightly. If the funding remained the same, there would be less funding for each Local Authority

·         Stockton undertook an auto enrolment exercise in Autum 2024 and identified over 300 children that were eligible for free school meals, taking Stockton’s total to over 9,000 eligible children

·         In Easter, there were 6,042 universal spaces and 267 dedicated SEND spaces. 1345 unique children booked 5,500 spaces, broken down into 1100 primary and 245 secondary aged children, equating to approx. 4 places per child.  There were over 40 different activities across the borough through 28 individual providers

·         In Easter, there were a few new providers including Stockton Libraries and Stockton Sixth Form College bringing new activities such as Lego @ the Library

·         The new booking system had been extremely well received with positive feedback from parents and providers. The booking system was accessible on different devices and also sent reminders about bookings which had made a huge impact on reducing non-attendance. Within the booking system, it would be possible to identify and target children who lived in the 10 most deprived wards

·         Rules could be applied to the booking system for example to limit the number of places that could be applied for a particular child. The system also prioritised FSM children and sent details to providers to ensure that they were equipped to meet the needs of individual children. The system also flagged up clashes and identified immediately when a child did not attend a session

·         Bookings for summer were opening on 4 July but interest could be registered a week before

·         As well as making bookings through the new booking system, the website provided details on how to speak to a member of the team

·         Members commented that there needed to be improved visibility of the programme and booking system on the Council website

·         For summer, around 50 providers had applied, creating over 17,000 spaces. Based on suggestions from young people, new providers are offering:

o   Cycling

o   Tees Active gym passes

o   Football School

o   3D pen project

o   Storytelling and games for the 5-8 at the libraries

·         Members acknowledged the need to lobby the government for continued funding. One lobbying route was through the CYP Board of the LGA

The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People was in attendance for this item. She highlighted the significant improvements to the booking process due to the new booking system and the variety and quality of provision. She also placed on record her thanks to the team.

AGREED that the action plan be approved.