Agenda and minutes

The Minutes of the meeting held on 2^nd June 2008 were taken as read and signed as a correct record.

It was confirmed that no public questions had been received.

The Minutes of the Executive Board and the Executive Board Sub-Committee relating to the work of the Children and Young People Policy and Performance Board were submitted for information.

 

            The Board discussed Minute number EXB28 Sustainable School Travel Policy. Members required clarification with regards to what distance and what assistance was given to children from defined low income families.

 

In response it was noted that assistance with travel was provided for primary children, if the school is situated more than a distance of two miles,  and for secondary children if more than a distance of three miles. 

 

            RESOLVED: That the Minutes be noted.

Mr Gerald Meehan, Strategic Director Children and Young People, updated the Board on the following:-

 

·              Inspectors from OFSTED had rated the Council’s services for Safeguarding Children as outstanding.  Halton was the only authority in the North West to receive this rate;

·              Services for looked after children were rated as good;

·              The outcome for young people with learning disabilities and / or disabilities was good;

·              In relation to infant mortality, low levels of breastfeeding and obesity it was reported that services in this area were adequate therefore an effective strategic action plan and proposals were being developed;

·              In the past the Youth Service had appeared poor whereas now arrangements for the delivery of integrated youth support was rated as good; and

·              The service management and leadership within Children’s services was rated good and the capacity to improve was outstanding;

 

Members raised the following issues:

 

·              How would the authority achieve NEET (Not in Education or Employment) services once the new government regulations - for young people to remain in education and training until 18 - where in place?

·              Did the Council have any powers available to it, to prevent fast food outlets opening near schools in order to lower figures of child obesity;

·              Higher than average infant mortality issues;

·              The Council not being informed of looked after children entering the borough from other authorities and the knock on effect this could cause;

·              Possibility of rolling dentists and nurses visiting schools; and

·              The need to promote breastfeeding;

 

In response the following was noted

 

·              Integrated youth support arrangements would be implemented and the government had not yet determined what the statutory role would be should the older age group not attend any education or training;

·              Children were being educated about healthy eating in all schools and there was a need to educate parents also.  Issues around providing licences to fast food outlets would be investigated;

·              Halton had been in discussion with the Primary Care Trust regarding child obesity and had received useful support and guidance;

·              A child death overview panel had been set up to discover and explore reasons for the high child mortality rate;

·              Host authorities were legally bound to notify Halton of any looked after children entering the borough, however this did not seem to be the case, therefore, a team was currently obtaining a list detailing all the looked after children from other authorities;

 

RESOLVED: That

 

1)                 the information and comments made be noted; and

 

2)                 notes of results of dialogues with Halton and St Helens Primary Care Trust be forwarded to Members of this Board.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Children and Young People which informed Members of the 2008 performance data for Foundation Stage Profile and Key Stages 1 to 4.  The report outlined attainment only and did not indicate the effectiveness of service delivery.  A more detailed report was tabled at the meeting. (Copy available on line)

 

In this respect, the Board was advised of performance results and percentage increases for Foundation Stage Profile (FSP), Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5.  It was reported that performance could not be reported for Key Stage 3 due to the high number of missing results at some schools. The main headlines for Halton were detailed within the tabled report.

 

Arising from the discussion, the Board noted that, overall, the results achieved for Halton proved that it had been a very successful year and this was due to a culmination of factors, including work within schools and families that supported the schools.

 

The Board also discussed the issue of low results from one secondary school, the improvement panel and intervention strategies which would be put in place. 

 

Members discussed the Foundation Stage Profile results and what was expected from a child in relation to their parents understanding the whole process better.  Narrowing the gap with reference to attainment and achievement of pupils, was also noted and the Board requested that reports on both these subjects be brought to a future Policy and Performance Board meeting.

 

RESOLVED: That

 

1)           the attainment of children in Halton schools for the 2007-08 academic year be noted;

2)           a report on the current analysis of narrowing the gap with reference to attainment and achievement of pupils, be brought to a future meeting; and

3)           a report on the foundation stage profile results be brought to a future meeting.

The Board considered a report of the Chief Executive on progress against service plan objectives and performance targets, performance trends / comparisons and factors affecting the services for:

 

• Specialist Services;
• Universal and Learning Services;
• Preventative Services; and
• Business Planning and Resources.

 

Arising from the discussion the Board considered the following:

 

• support mechanisms and care and learn packages in relation to the high teenage pregnancy termination rates;
• working with care leavers to discover what they require when starting a career, and a presentation be brought back to a future meeting; and
•  the need to investigate how to provide more of an opportunity for care leavers to work for Halton Borough council.

 

RESOLVED: That the quarterly performance management reports be received.

A Special meeting of the Board has been arranged for 9^th October at

6.30 pm in the Civic Suite to consider how Members can become involved in the Service Planning process and monitor high level outcomes.

The Chairman reported that a Special Meeting of the Board had been arranged on 9^th October 2008, at 6.30 pm in the Civic Suite, Runcorn Town Hall to consider how Members could become involved in the Service Planning process and monitor high level outcomes within Children and Young People’s services.  The Chairman also reported that the theme for the Board this municipal year would be health.

 

RESOLVED:   That the date of the special meeting be noted.