The Barnet Children's Partnership Board met on Thursday 29 February 2024 to discuss a range of important issues affecting children and young people in the borough. Key topics included the SEND and Alternative Provision Action Plan, the Growing Up in Barnet study, and the Start Well public consultation regarding maternity and neonatal services. The Board also received updates on the Clear, Hold, Build initiative to tackle serious and organised crime, and the ongoing development of the Parks and Open Spaces Strategy.

SEND & Alternative Provision Action Plan

Karen Flanagan, Director of SEND and Inclusion, presented an update on the SEND and Alternative Provision Action Plan. Barnet has been selected as the lead local authority for the London region in a partnership with Camden, Enfield, and Islington, receiving £6.3 million over two years to implement Department for Education (DfE) proposals. This includes piloting a standardised Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) template and developing local inclusion dashboards. Ms. Flanagan reported that 20 EHCPs have already been issued using the new template. Sarah Sands suggested breaking down specific how points within the strategy, and Ms. Flanagan agreed to a follow-up discussion.

Growing Up in Barnet

Owen Chiguvare from the 0-25 Team presented the findings of the Growing Up in Barnet study, an ethnographic research project examining the experiences of disabled children, adolescents, and young adults in the borough. The study highlighted that inclusive spaces are crucial for disabled children to be their authentic selves, and that trusted relationships with professionals and peers are vital. It also emphasised the importance of a whole-person approach during transitional stages and the significant impact of connected parents on connected children. The research involved 13 children and young people and explored how they identify, form friendships, and find opportunities to express themselves.

Start Well Public Consultation

Anna Stewart briefed the Board on the Start Well public consultation, a programme initiated in 2021 to improve maternity, neonatal, and children's services across North Central London (NCL). The proposals aim to consolidate maternity and neonatal care into four units, with no longer having a level 1 neonatal unit or a standalone midwifery-led birth centre. Clinical drivers for these changes include a declining birth rate, increasing complexity of service users, staffing challenges, and the need to meet modern building standards. The consultation period runs until 17 March 2024, with a decision expected by late 2024 or early 2025. The consultation website is nclhealthandcare.org.uk/start-well.

Clear, Hold, Build

Tom Hinson from the Metropolitan Police provided an overview of the Clear, Hold, Build framework, a Home Office initiative designed to tackle serious and organised crime. Between July and December 2023, the Clear phase in Barnet resulted in 311 arrests (including 31 juveniles), the recovery of 8 firearms and 52 weapons, and the seizure of significant quantities of drugs and cash. Residents of the Grahame Park Estate have reported a remarkable change in their community, with increased feelings of safety and more children playing outdoors. The police are now working with partners to maintain stability in the area under the Hold element of the framework.

Parks and Open Spaces Strategy Consultation

Adrian Spray, Consultancy Director CFP, presented the ongoing development of Barnet's Parks and Open Spaces Strategy. The current strategy, adopted in 2016, is being updated to reflect the changing context of the borough. Key service highlights include securing £1.2 million in funding, improvements to 39 tennis courts, and plans for 10 playground enhancements, including the Fair Play Barnet initiative. The strategy is in its early stages, with Stage 1 focusing on baseline information gathering until December 2024, followed by strategy development. Emerging themes include strategic planning, partnership, active and healthy spaces, nature recovery, and community safety.

Fair Play Playground

Nicola Cross, Development Manager for Environment, Green Spaces and Leisure, introduced the Fair Play Playground, a fully accessible and inclusive playground designed for everyone to play together. The project originated from a concept by Deborah Gundle in January 2022 and has since involved extensive consultation, fundraising of £400,000, and a £100,000 contribution from the North Area Committee. The playground officially opened on 15 January 2024. Matthew Gunyon, Head of Greenspaces, indicated that the council would aim to implement one to two more Fair Play Playgrounds in the borough.

Forward Work Programme

The Board noted the Forward Work Programme for 2023/2024. The Chair suggested inviting the Police and the Safe Schools Team to the next meeting to discuss Clear, Hold, Build from a child's perspective. Additionally, the Home Office was proposed to be invited to provide an update on asylum seeker children living in hotels.

Any Other Business

An update was provided on Children's Mental Health Week, with links to related news and videos shared.