The Children & Families Scrutiny Committee of Stockport Council met on Wednesday 4 September 2024 to discuss and endorse several key plans and strategies. The meeting saw the endorsement of the Children and Young People Plan 2024-27, the Youth Justice Plan, the SEND Strategy, and the Stockport Skills Plan, all of which were recommended for submission to Cabinet.

Children and Young People Plan 2024-27

The committee reviewed the Children and Young People Plan 2024-27, a partnership strategy outlining the vision, ambitions, and priorities for the next three years. Members welcomed the focus on listening to young people's voices and noted positive outcomes in primary and secondary schools. Discussions also covered strategies to address child poverty through an early help offer and the holistic support provided by family hubs. The concept of waiting well was clarified as local authority support for children awaiting health diagnoses or appointments. Amendments were suggested to strengthen the wording of Ambition 3 from can to should or must, and it was noted that while Ambition 6 did not explicitly mention tackling drug taking, the Mosaic programme offered a comprehensive approach. The committee also sought clarification on managing the backlog of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), with an update indicating a reduction in waiting children from 638 in March 2024 to 464 in September 2024 due to increased capacity and improved processes. The report was noted and endorsed for submission to Cabinet.

Youth Justice Plan

The committee considered the Youth Justice Plan, which detailed achievements from the previous year and outlined priorities for the coming year. A significant point of discussion was the disproportionate number of children open to the Youth Justice Service who have Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD). Members requested a briefing paper on FASD for a future meeting. The functioning and continued funding of the RTime (Youth) Network, a targeted youth offer for at-risk young people, was also discussed, with confirmation that it relies on a mix of National Lottery funding and community safety investments. The committee noted the positive aspects of Community Projects and Activities and welcomed the inclusion of Restorative Justice for young offenders. Clarification was sought on the funding for Remands, with an acknowledgement of an allocation from the Ministry of Justice for children in young offenders institutions, though the funding formula is under review. The report was noted and endorsed for submission to Cabinet, and a briefing paper on FASD was requested.

SEND Strategy

The SEND Strategy for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families in Stockport for 2024-2027 was presented. The report highlighted the delivery of 600 additional specialist places across mainstream schools, special schools, and pupil referral units since 2020, bringing the total to nearly 1,600 over four years. The strategy aims to identify needs at the earliest possible opportunity, with improved accuracy in identification since 2018. Support for the SEND offer within schools and idea settings was emphasised, ensuring they have the necessary resources, skills, training, and funding. The committee inquired about resources for areas of deprivation regarding EHCP and SEND support, with a balance system approach being described as challenging but in place. The report was noted and endorsed for submission to Cabinet.

Stockport Skills Plan

The committee reviewed the final draft of the Stockport Skills Plan, designed to foster a more sustainable, inclusive, and diverse economy. Members requested that careers advice be given more prominence in the report and sought further details on links between industry and higher education. It was explained that businesses and colleges are working together to ensure courses meet business needs, with the plan developed through consultations with businesses and schools. The importance of partnership work with organisations like the Fire Service and The Prince's Trust in preparing young people for the workplace was encouraged. The discussion also touched upon the need to consider practical aspects of employment, such as transport and uniform costs, and the inclusion of transport links in the plan was suggested, particularly for young people seeking jobs at locations like Manchester Airport and the Trafford Centre. The report was noted and endorsed for submission to Cabinet.

Agenda Planning

The committee considered planned agenda items for future meetings. It was resolved that Assurance and Response to Complex Safeguarding and Child Exploitation would be deferred to 2025, and Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) would be programmed onto the agenda for a future meeting.