The Children and Young People's Scrutiny Committee met to discuss fostering improvements, the development of a children's plan, and youth voice engagement in Trafford. The committee agreed that training resources for Holiday Activity Fund providers should be made available to members for distribution to voluntary sector providers, and that the Public Health Programme Manager should follow up with Integrated Care Board (ICB) colleagues on details of sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates following a long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) fit, and look into the possibility of integrating sexual health provision within Family Hubs. The committee also requested more detailed absence data from the Director of Education Standards, Quality and Performance in the future, if required.

Fostering Improvement Activity

The committee reviewed a report outlining the progress of Trafford's in-house fostering service, focusing on recruitment and retention of foster carers, the Mockingbird Family Model, and developments within the Trafford Foster Carer Association (TFCA).

Key discussion points included:

• Service Restructure: A service restructure in October 2021 led to the creation of three teams specialising in foster carer assessment, connected carers, and general approved foster carer support.
• Recruitment and Retention: The initial stages of recruitment of general foster carers has become part of the Greater Manchester Recruitment Hub¹. Trafford retains a communication and marketing function, targeting prospective foster carers in their own area.
• Mockingbird Family Model: Trafford launched its first Mockingbird constellation in March 2025, creating a support network for foster carers akin to an extended family.
• Trafford Foster Carer Association: The TFCA aims to give foster carers a voice and represent them in key decisions.

The committee noted the report.

Trafford Foster Carer Association

The Trafford FCA provided an update on its activities, highlighting its role in providing peer support, advocating for foster carers, and representing the fostering profession within the borough. The association has a presence on the Corporate Parenting Board and collaborates with Trafford Fostering Service on policy and practice.

Development of a Children's Plan for Trafford

The committee discussed the development of a new Children's Plan for Trafford, led by the Children and Young People's Partnership (CYPP). The plan aims to create a consistent vision for children in Trafford, rooted in their voices and experiences.

Key elements of the plan include:

• Engagement with Young People: A review of consultations with children and young people identified emerging themes, which were then tested and amended during discussions with the Youth Cabinet.
• Proposed Themes: The plan is structured around themes including 'Health and Wellbeing', 'Skills and Aspirations', and 'A Safe, Green and Prosperous Place'.
• Youth Cabinet Involvement: The Youth Cabinet is acting as a steering group to co-produce the plan and embed participation.

The committee was asked to support the Youth Cabinet's work programme, promote attendance at school conferences in October 2025, and consider specific actions under the plan's themes.

Youth Voice in Trafford

The committee received a presentation on the engagement of youth voices in Trafford, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and care experienced young people.

Key discussion points included:

• Our Voice Group: Cared for young people participate in the Our Voice group, providing input to the Corporate Parenting Board on various topics.
• Aftercare Forum: Care experienced young people attend the Aftercare Forum, supported by the Greater Manchester Youth Network (GMYN).
• Lundy Model of Participation: The council aims to engage with care experienced young people based on the Lundy Model of participation², and to train staff in the Lundy Model.
• SEND Engagement: Work is underway to enhance the voice of children and young people with SEND, including the establishment of youth voice groups and collaboration with partners.

The committee was asked to continue providing opportunities for care experienced young people to engage with councillors and senior officers, and to ensure that staff and managers are trained in the use of the Lundy model.

Work Programme 2025/26

The committee noted the work programme and priority list for 2025/26. Councillor Shaun Ennis requested details of school absence data for days of the week, which the Director of Education Standards, Quality and Performance agreed to provide.