This week, the council held three meetings. Two of these meetings did not provide transcripts or video recordings, so we cannot report on their contents. However, the third meeting, held on Monday 24 June 2024, was the Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee, and it provided significant insights into the council's efforts to support young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee: NEET Young People in Redbridge

The Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee met to discuss the number of young people in Redbridge who are NEET, and the council's plans to support them. The sub-committee approved the council's plans but requested an update on progress in six months.

A key document presented during the meeting was the Young People in Year 12 - 13 NEET and Not Known- Report Final, which revealed that 1.3% of young people in Years 12 and 13 in Redbridge were NEET, and a further 4.2% were not known. The sub-committee emphasized the legal requirement for local authorities in England to track the activity of young people up to the age of 18, as stipulated by the Education and Skills Act 2008. This Act mandates local authorities to ensure that all young people in their area participate in suitable education or training until the age of 18.

The sub-committee discussed various support mechanisms for NEET young people, notably the council's NEET Prevention Team. This team engages with young people and their families using a 'Team Around the Family' approach. The head of the NEET Prevention Team elaborated on this approach:

A meeting with the family, and any professionals working with them, to plan the right support for the young person. This can involve supporting the family to access benefits and housing advice.

The sub-committee also examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on NEET figures, noting that the pandemic disproportionately affected young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Other Meetings

• Unknown committee on Monday 24 June 2024: No transcript or video was provided.
• Unknown committee on Thursday 27 June 2024: No transcript or video was provided.

This week's focus on NEET young people highlights the council's ongoing efforts to address educational and employment challenges within the community. Future updates will continue to monitor the progress of these initiatives and other significant council activities.