The Barnet Children's Partnership Board met on 9 November 2022 to discuss feedback from a Young People's Perception Survey, the progress of the Life Chances Strategy, and updates on education strategies and the NCL Start Well Programme. Key decisions included recommending that the Health and Wellbeing Board review the impact of the cost of living on young people and engaging the Parent Carers Forum in work around SEND Tribunal appeals.

Young People's Perception Survey - Focus Groups Feedback

The Board received feedback from focus groups conducted as part of the Young People's Perception Survey. These workshops aimed to delve deeper into the survey's findings, particularly concerning young people who are seldom heard, such as those with disabilities or young carers. The feedback indicated that while Barnet is generally seen as a good place to live, there are areas for improvement. Specific concerns were raised about accessibility for those with disabilities, the perceived unfairness in how schools handle issues like hate crimes, and a general feeling of being unheard by some young people. Recommendations included adopting a holistic approach to understanding these issues, supporting schools in dealing with sensitive topics like racism and homophobia, and improving awareness of council services. The Board agreed to refer these findings to the SEND Partnership Board and to make direct contact with the Parent and Carers Forum to explore future links.

My Say Matters

Youth Ambassadors and Members of the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) provided an update on their activities. The UKYP's annual sitting in the House of Commons focused on health and wellbeing, with a particular emphasis on the impact of the cost of living on young people's health. Individual campaigns highlighted concerns about knife crime, mental health in schools post-lockdown, and climate change. Young people also raised issues regarding the accessibility of mental health resources, with a perception that support is only available in extreme situations, and concerns about exam stress. The Board discussed how these priorities align with existing workstreams, noting that while cost of living is being considered, a specific paper on its impact on young people was lacking. It was recommended that the Barnet Children Partnership Board recommend to the Health and Wellbeing Board that they review the cost of living and its impact on young people. The youth representatives were also invited to present to the Secondary School Heads Forum to increase their reach.

Education Strategies

An update was provided on the Schools and Settings Improvement Strategy and the SEND and Inclusion Strategy. Priorities for these strategies are informed by Ofsted reports, performance data, Department for Education guidance, and feedback from the Barnet Partnership Board. Key areas of focus include early years settings, phonics, and support for vulnerable children, including those with SEND. The recent inspection of SEND services highlighted strengths but also identified a need to improve access to therapy, which is being reviewed at a North Central London level. While response times for Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) requests are strong, there is a focus on improving annual review plans. The Board noted the importance of incorporating mental health and exam stress into these strategies, and the Parent Carers Forum expressed interest in engaging with the work around SEND Tribunal appeals.

NCL Start Well Programme for Children and Young People

Officers from North Central London presented an overview of the NCL Start Well Programme, which focuses on hospital-based children and young people. The programme has moved through a case for change phase, engagement with stakeholders, and the development of best practice care models. Engagement highlighted the importance of safe and supportive care, access to specialists, and clear communication. The Board queried the geographical scope of the research and potential changes to services at the Royal Free and High Barnet hospitals. Officers confirmed that the research covered all services in North Central London and that specific recommendations for service configuration were still being developed. The Board requested that the programme return with its recommendations for consideration.

Life Chances Strategy

An update was given on the Life Chances Strategy, highlighting good progress against its four key priorities: strengthening families and early years, developing resilience and improving education, developing equal opportunities, and targeting support. The report detailed actions taken, such as the reintroduction of face-to-face sessions in Children's Centres, improvements in school performance and attendance rates, and initiatives to combat food poverty and provide work experience opportunities. The Board noted that this strategy would be presented to the Barnet Council Senior Leadership Team meeting.