The Children & Families Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss a joint report on Project Skyline, a Greater Manchester initiative to increase the availability of children's homes. The committee was also set to review updates on the expanded childcare policy and the refreshed Start Well Strategy.

Project Skyline (GM Children's Homes)

The committee was scheduled to consider a report providing an update on Project Skyline, a Greater Manchester (GM) proposal aimed at creating a supply of children's homes to increase placement availability for Children Looked After within the GM region. The report outlined plans to approve in principle the entering into of a Partnership Agreement with other Local Authorities in GM, the GM Combined Authority (GMCA), and NHS GM for the project's delivery.

The report detailed that Project Skyline was a response to significant expenditure on children's social care, with a substantial portion allocated to residential placements. It highlighted the challenges of market pressures, increased case complexity, and financial strains leading to children being placed outside their home areas. The project proposes ten new homes to accommodate 24 children with complex mental health issues or Emotional Behavioural Difficulties. These homes would be divided into three lots: Complex Care Mental Health Support Homes, Residential Homes for younger children transitioning to foster care, and Residential Homes for older teenagers, children at risk of sexual exploitation, and children at risk of criminal exploitation.

The procurement process was being led by GMCA, with contracts expected to commence in November 2024. A Memorandum of Understanding had been signed in January 2024, and a Partnership Agreement was being finalised. The report indicated that GMCA would allocate funding to acquire properties, with Salford City Council acting as the contracting authority. NHS GM would also be a signatory to the Partnership Agreement, ensuring a clear health offer within the homes. The project was also identified as a pathfinder site for Regional Care Cooperative reforms, potentially bringing additional capital funding.

The committee was asked to comment on and note the report. The report recommended that the council approve in principle entering into a Partnership Agreement for Skyline and delegate authority to relevant officers to agree its terms and enter into necessary documentation.

Expanded Childcare Policy

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the programme of work supporting the introduction of an expanded childcare policy. This policy has two main elements: an expansion of funded entitlements for working parents of children aged between 9 months and 3 years, and increased access to wraparound childcare for all school-aged children, which commenced in September 2024.

The report detailed the phased national rollout of the expanded childcare entitlements, which began in April 2024 with 15 hours of funded childcare for working parents of two-year-olds. From September 2024, working parents of children aged 9 months could access up to 15 hours, with the full 30 hours available from September 2025 for children aged 9 months to 3 years. The report also outlined the plan for increased access to wraparound childcare, aiming for availability from 8 am to 6 pm daily, with full implementation by September 2026.

The report indicated that Stockport had been successful in meeting the demand for the initial phases of the expanded entitlements, with sufficient childcare places available. It highlighted the use of capital funding to create new places, particularly in areas of disadvantage. Challenges identified included difficulties in recruiting qualified staff and potential planning restrictions for expansion. The report stated that the expanded childcare policy aims to support parents in returning to or remaining in work, thereby improving educational outcomes for children and increasing employment opportunities.

The committee was asked to note the content of the report.

Start Well Strategy

The committee was scheduled to consider a report presenting a refreshed version of The Start Well Strategy 2024-2027. This strategy contributes to the delivery of the Children and Young People Plan 2024-2027, which identifies seven Big Ambitions. The Start Well strategy specifically addresses Ambition 2, all children have the best start in life, be ready for school and life-long learning, while also supporting the other six ambitions.

The refreshed strategy builds on the foundations of the previous version launched in 2021, incorporating new research, government guidance, and insights from families. It places a strengthened focus on the first 1001 days of life (from conception to age 2), prevention, early intervention, and supporting children at risk of disadvantage, including boys living in poverty, children in care, and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The strategy's vision is for all children in Stockport will have the best start in life, be ready for school and become life-long learners, with an ambition to narrow the achievement gap at the end of Reception for children living in poverty, particularly boys, by 2027. It outlines two strategic goals and six key priorities, focusing on an empowered workforce, continuous improvement of the early years offer, leadership for change, seamless support for families, accessible family hubs, and providing families with timely and trustworthy information.

The report noted that while progress has been made, outcomes for children living in poverty and other disadvantaged children remain challenging. An outcomes framework and scorecard are being developed to monitor progress.

The committee was asked to review and comment on the report.

Agenda Planning

The committee was scheduled to consider a report outlining planned agenda items for its future meetings and Forward Plan items within its remit. The report listed upcoming agenda items, including the Portfolio Performance and Resources Report, Expanding SEND Provision, the Stockport Skills Plan, and the Youth Justice Plan. It also detailed items for future meetings such as the Safeguarding Partnership Annual Report, the Early Help Strategy, and the Family Hubs programme.

The committee was invited to consider the information in the report and put forward any additional agenda items for future meetings. Specific items requested for programming included the impact of antisemitism and Islamophobia in local schools, progress on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and updates on pupil numbers. The report also noted that the Assurance and Response to Complex Safeguarding and Child Exploitation item would be rescheduled following a review by the GM Mayor.