Agenda and draft minutes

There were no items where the press and public would be excluded from the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting be agreed as a correct record.

(A period not exceeding 20 minutes for statements from up to 5 members of the public on matters within the Panel’s remit, proposing action(s) which may be considered or contribute towards the future development of the Panel’s work programme).

There we no public statements made at the meeting.

Connected Council  Doncaster Growing Together Theme

Members of the Youth Council provided a presentation updating the Panel on the Youth Council Elections and Knife Crime Campaign.

With regard to the Youth Council Elections, all schools were sent promotional information, Youth Councillors promoted it within their own schools, ward Councillors were asked for support within their catchment area and a film was produced and shown within all schools.  The Application to stand as a Youth Councillor was undertaken through a Google form and webpage.

It was explained that Knife Crime was a priority campaign for young people and through the Youth Council’s “Make your Mark” consultation event, it was identified as a the second biggest concern across Doncaster for 11 to 18 year olds.

The Youth Council has met with Chief Superintendent Shaun Morley and Detective Superintendent Una Jennings to discuss how young people and partners were tackling knife crime to keep young people safe. 

Youth Councillors were planning facilitated focus groups in schools to gather information from young people looking at concerns, perceived views, gang related issues and peer pressure.

Following the presentation, discussion specifically addressed the following areas:

Youth Council Membership – the current membership had increased by 5 schools.  All categories were canvassed including young apprentices and pupils who were home schooled.  Two schools in the Borough had not taken part in encouraging young people to take part in the Elections.

With regard to pupils who had chosen to undertake Elective Home Education, it was noted that being part of the Youth Council gave young people the opportunity to acquire a sense of belonging.

Additional to school representatives, there were also seats on the Youth Council for LGBTQ+, Doncaster College, LADDER, Young Careers, CICC and Visual/Hearing impairment.

Knife Crime – South Yorkshire was positioned 7^th nationwide for problems relating to knife crime but that was mainly issues being experienced in Sheffield. 

It was stressed by Youth Councillors that information presented to children and young people needed to be delivered in a way that was not frightening and that they learnt it was ok to run away from a dangerous situation.

It was noted that Year 9 pupils were receiving information/presentations on knife crime, however, concern was expressed that younger children were already in contact with Knife Crime and therefore, “Make Your Mark” had been introduced to Young Advisors to specifically seek Primary School issues.

A Member outlined that young people in her ward were not surprised by the amount of knife crime and expressed strong concern that gangs were travelling into the area from cities like Sheffield.

It was noted that week commencing 11^th March, there were many knife amnesty areas, with Sheffield undertaking a week long operation. 

The Chair concluded the discussion by thanking the Youth Councillors for highlighting the issues to the Scrutiny Panel and invited them to attend a future meeting in the 2019/20 civic year.

RESOLVED:  That the discussion be noted and work being undertaken by the Youth Council, particularly relating to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Doncaster Caring Growing Together theme

The Panel was provided with a presentation relating to tackling children and young people’s mental health.  Members were informed of progress made by the Taskforce established in September, 2014 to address how mental health services were organised, commissioned and provided.  The Future in Mind (2015) report set out principles that were fundamental to creating a system to support and Doncaster’s progress was outlined for each theme.

It was highlighted during discussion that:

·         one in ten children need support or treatment for mental health problems;

·         still a minority of children and young people have a diagnosis;

·         it can result in lower educational attainment in young people;

·         75%of mental health problems start by the age of 18;

·         Early intervention avoids young people falling into crisis;  and

·         There was a lot of need around emotional well-being;

Trailblazer (The Green Paper) – Doncaster had been selected to pilot the recommendation of this paper, one of 22 sites nationally, and would include the piloting of mental health support teams in mainstream and special educational needs schools, which should be fully operational by December 2019.  Staff training would be led nationally from February 2019. 

With regard to waiting times for a medical assessment, Doncaster was currently 34 days with the aim of achieving 28 days.

The Young Advisor confirmed that they had taken part in the Trailblazer campaign addressing the most appropriate type of information to be provided and on what platforms.

It was noted that the Trailblazer sites would have a mental health lead.

Improving Mental Health Assessment for Looked After Children (LAC): Pilot – Doncaster had also been selected as one of 9 sites nationally to pilot a new mental health assessment framework for LAC.  It was being led by The Anna Freud Centre and gave children and young people and providers the opportunity to directly influence and shape this framework.

Health Champions – It was confirmed that they held varying levels of expertise and training had been identified. 

Strategy Development – A young advisor stated how pleased she was when she learnt that this piece of work was being undertaken as it was still the most important issue that young people felt they faced.  However, reassurance was sought that it was being carried out at a people level ensuring they received the correct help, rather than high level showin numbers in documents.

Children’s Plan – the Young Advisors had been holding interviews and developed a report to be presented to the Director and Cabinet Member identifying gaps in service.

Access to support – A 24/7 All Age Crisis telephone line was available, however, a Member stressed that young people may not like to use the phone, but prefer different options, including texting or online chat and asked that this be taken into consideration.  It was highlighted that positive quotes could be posted in bite size pieces because this is what young people would respond to.

It was acknowledged that this was a fair point and an area that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Connected Council Doncaster Growing Together theme

The Panel was presented with a report outlining the change of governance of Doncaster Children’s Services Trust (DCST) to an Arm’s Length Management Company owned by Doncaster Council.

It was noted that various company models had been addressed to provide sustained improvement and reduced risk, in terms of financial and performance position.  The branding of the company would remain the same.

A Board would be constituted to direct the Company’s affairs, with the Department for Education (DFE) being prescriptive about the skill sets required, to ensure a focused lead. 

It was noted that future finance and performance reports would be provided to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee on a quarterly basis.

RESOLVED:  That the proposed recommendations for Cabinet’s consideration, be supported.

Doncaster Learning Growing Together Theme

The Panel gave consideration to a report that detailed progress made against the Social Mobility Opportunity Areas Programme Plan published in January 2018.

It was noted that significant progress had been made with over £6m being allocated to a variety of projects and programmes with the ambition to have allocated the full budget by the end of this academic year.  It was outlined alongside this funding the programme brought £2.75m of Essential Life Skills funding.

Members were briefed on progress on the following four priorities:

·         Solid foundations for primary children;

·         Brilliant teaching and leadership at secondary

·         No career out of bounds;

·         Opportunity for All.

It was stressed however that challenges remained around ensuring the school sector was able to engage and that investment had an ongoing impact.

Children’s University – Members wished to ensure that all children were receiving the opportunity to realise their potential and if they wished, attend university when older.  They were pleased to see funding being rolled out to more disadvantaged schools and following detailed discussion, it was noted that the Russel University programme was only part of a wider offer addressing academic capability.

It was stressed that education was the most significant social mobility for young children, ensuring their gain social skills for future life.

Aspiration and determination – in Doncaster there was real determination ensuring outcomes for all was addressed, for example the current work on education and skills project.  It was stressed that there were many ongoing activities in Doncaster with the lively desire to ensure outcomes were realised.

Members stressed that a cultural change in Doncaster was required and telling children in Doncaster they were valued was essential.  Engagement was required from businesses in addition to educational establishments.

The Panel recognised and was aware that partners could provide the opportunity for a child to reach their aspiration but once they reached secondary school, there were many distractions therefore, there was the need to educate parents.

Schools not engaging with the SMOA – in response to queries raised, it was explained that there were actions in place to address future engagement with schools that had not engaged, to ensure that children were all receiving the same opportunity.

RESOLVED:  that the update and discussion be noted.

Doncaster Learning Growing Together Theme

A report was presented to the Panel relating to the high number of fixed term exclusions and managed moves in Doncaster’s schools and how this was being addressed through the three year plan for improved behaviour.

Members noted the establishment of the Big Picture Learning School, the commissioning of new specialist provision for Social Emotional Mental Health and communication and interaction needs.  It was stressed that there was the sense of collective responsibility and purpose evident across the Team Doncaster partnership to address the issues Doncaster’s schools face.

Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) – there was the need for this facility to be more of an assessment centre to ensure children and young people were returning to main stream education.  It was noted that pupils were now classed as being a guest at a PRU where a package of support was established, and they were not removed from their school register.

Support and Challenge – this was a role undertaken by the Local Authority, and was now in a position where officers were working with everyone to understand best practices.  Conversations with schools were continuing with regard to accountability around exclusions.

It was noted that in January, 2019 all Secondary Heads met for the first time in many years, and there was support for this to continue.  An Education and Skills summit had also been arranged to take place during the Summer term.

RESOLVED:  That the SEND and Inclusion Strategy and Attendance update be considered at the next meeting.

The Chair highlighted the Scrutiny work programme and Council’s Forward Plan of Key decisions to the Panel and requested that items be suggested for consideration during the 2019/20 period.

Members suggested the following items be recommended for consideration at the Panel’s work planning session in June.

·         July 2019 Meeting:  SEND and Inclusion Strategy and Attendance update;

·         Academies and Local Authority relationships;

·         Home schooling following bullying incidents;  and

·         Invite to the Youth Council.

RESOLVED:  That the discussion be noted and the following be considered for inclusion in the 2019/20 work plan:

·         July 2019 Meeting:  SEND and Inclusion Strategy and Attendance update;

·         Academies and Local Authority relationships;

·         Home schooling following bullying incidents;  and

·         Invite to the Youth Council.