The Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission of Hackney Council met on Monday 11 November 2013 to discuss careers advice and guidance for young people, and the quality of supported housing for youth homelessness. The Commission also reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year.

Review of Careers Advice: National Perspective from Pearson Think Tank

The Commission heard from Louis Coiffait, Head of Research at The Pearson Think Tank, who presented findings on the state of careers advice nationally. Mr Coiffait highlighted a worrying trend of declining and patchy provision, with significant drops in work experience opportunities, careers counselling, and careers fairs. He attributed this to reduced funding, with £200 million taken from the Department for Education's Connexions funding.

Mr Coiffait explained that the quality of careers advice within schools is dependent on leadership teams prioritising it. He noted that many schools lack awareness of their statutory duty to provide careers advice and require support and training. The research also indicated that independent schools make greater use of parents and governors in their careers guidance efforts compared to state schools.

Discussions also touched upon the need for more funding and dedicated time within the school timetable for effective careers advice. The disbandment of the national Connexions service has placed pressure on schools to source independent advisers, with the nature of these arrangements varying significantly. Local authorities, it was suggested, could offer strategic support through partnerships and consortiums.

The Commission explored how to challenge perceptions and approaches to careers advice, with Mr Coiffait acknowledging that young people can develop stereotypical views from family and friends. Schools, he suggested, can act as a forum to offer diverse information and break down these stereotypes, particularly in areas like encouraging women into science careers. The role of intermediaries and Education Business Partnerships, such as Inspire in Hackney, was also mentioned as a way to promote non-traditional career options.

Concerns were raised about social justice issues, with provision in the independent sector remaining consistent while state provision has seen declines. The Commission also discussed the involvement of primary school children in careers advice and the potential for the health service to provide more information on career opportunities. Linking schools with local and regional employers was identified as crucial for informing students about available opportunities and benefiting employers through their corporate social responsibility agendas.

Clustering of schools through partnerships and consortiums was seen as a way to increase negotiation capacity and broaden options for students. Beyond funding, key issues identified included the need for time, integration of careers across the curriculum, and the development of a supportive school ethos. Subject teachers, with leadership team support, were considered best placed to deliver this work. The pace of change in work and career opportunities was also noted, with careers advice sometimes being unreal and behind. The importance of individual advice from an adviser was stressed, helping students to evaluate themselves and reflect on their options.

The impact of social class, social housing, and disability on careers advice was also discussed. Mr Coiffait indicated that social class, like race, can lead to stereotypes, and advice should be personalised. He noted that while there is good practice for disabled children in London, the research did not specifically cover their progress in mainstream schools. The complexity of issues faced by young people from social housing backgrounds was acknowledged, with exposure to a variety of resources being key. The research also suggested that selective state schools may have a poorer picture than non-selective state schools or the independent sector, potentially due to a focus on attainment measures over rounded provision.

The Commission also considered the stubborn youth unemployment position and the need for better destination measures and personalised data collection. Evidence gathering was noted as problematic, with schools needing to undertake self-reported data collection.

Review of Careers Advice: Linking Schools with Employers

Andrew Munk, the Ways into Work Manager, presented the work undertaken by his team to support employers and link them with local residents. He noted a strong desire from employers to engage with the council, recognising the business case for employing local people. While schools find it challenging to engage with employers due to academic priorities, they are beginning to do so through initiatives like the Apprenticeship Promotion Steering Group and sector-specific workshops.

The Ways into Work team collates provision from various providers offering advice, guidance, and work experience, and connects private apprenticeship opportunities with local people. The Commission discussed opportunities for local residents, particularly in areas like the Fashion Hub in Morning Lane, where concerns were raised about higher-level jobs being filled by individuals from outside the borough. Businesses are seeking improved coordination, with companies like Aquascutum looking for contacts within schools to discuss future requirements. The Council's Chief Executive has expressed a need to capture opportunities from companies like BT for Hackney residents.

While secondary schools have UCAS champions, there is a lack of similar support for apprenticeships. Training is being developed to improve understanding of the apprenticeship pathway. The Commission heard about the role of INSPIRE, the Education Business Partnership, in delivering work experience, and the work of the Ways into Work Employer Engagement Manager in identifying opportunities, particularly in the construction sector.

The importance of young people being able to approach businesses independently was reiterated, and the Council's leadership role in this regard was highlighted. The Ways into Work team provides support with softer skills, including attitude and behaviour, though it was acknowledged that there is no easy answer and one-to-one support is important. Resources are crucial for enabling schools to engage with employers.

Discussions also covered the relationship with BT, with efforts underway to build relationships and identify interested schools. Concerns were raised about the quality of provision and whether local people feel excluded, particularly in areas like the Pembury Estate. The Ways into Work team works with a wide variety of local partners but has a tight focus due to external funding. They are developing a charter to improve pay and conditions for employees. The Commission also heard about the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in work experience and employment opportunities, with the team making best endeavours to work with them.

Youth Homelessness: One-off Item of Supported Housing Quality; Spot-purchased Accommodation

Sheila Durr, Head of Children's Social Care & Safeguarding, provided an update on concerns raised about the quality of housing for young homeless people. The Commission had previously requested further information about spot-purchased accommodation in relation to youth homelessness.

The Commission discussed the situation of intentionally homeless individuals with children, with parents being required to find accommodation and explore existing resources for rent deposits. Services for intentionally homeless individuals are handled as a housing matter, not within the remit of Children's Social Care.

The focus remained on spot-purchased accommodation for young people aged 16 and 17. The Service was not aware of complaints regarding this age group, but acknowledged potential issues for those over 18. Young homeless people within their remit are provided with a support framework and information on the complaints procedure.

Under the Children's Act, there is a complaints process, and no complaints were recalled. However, it was suggested that some young homeless people have complained about being moved from accommodation they wished to remain in, which Children's Social Care had identified as not meeting required standards. All young homeless people have social workers to support them.

The absence of complaints was not seen as proof of no problems, and while young people may have high expectations, Children's Social Care will check and review providers where issues are identified. The Service uses a provider framework and short-term providers through a procurement process. An issue raised by a young person dealing drugs had been addressed and stopped.

The Commission heard that services have moved forward positively, with the council becoming a role model for care and accommodation provision. Services for young people do not stop at 18; they receive support, including a social worker, virtual education and training, and integrated therapeutic support up to the age of 25.

Clarification was sought regarding responsibility for accommodation services for young homeless people, with it being noted that over 17-year-olds must present to Housing Needs Services. The Commission stressed the importance of retaining its challenging role when issues like accommodation quality are raised.

Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission - 2013/14 Work Programme

The Commission discussed its work programme for 2013/14. A proposal to undertake a one-off review of the Community Use of School Facilities on 17th February was considered. The possibility of moving this date to a Friday was raised, with potential religious or cultural concerns noted. The Commission also considered extending the Review of Careers Advice and moving the Community Use of School Facilities item to the next municipal year.

A quorum of four Commissioners would be required for the evidence gathering on a single day. Members were asked to confirm their availability for a Friday by 15th November.

The meeting concluded with no other business being raised.