Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor B Adams and Mr P Thompson, Added Member.

There were no replacement Members in attendance.

Councillor Brailsford had indicated that he would be slightly late.

In relation to Item 4, Strategic Priorities for 16-19 (25) Education and Training for 2015/16, Mrs Olivier-Townrow, Added Member, declared that she was employed as a member of staff at Lincoln College.

In relation to Item 7, Proposal to expand the capacity at Lincoln St Faith's C of E Infant and St Faith and St Martin C of E Junior Schools (Final Decision), Mrs Olivier-Townrow, Added Member, declared that she was a Governor of St Faith's C of E Infant School.

No further declarations of Members' interest were made at this stage of the proceedings.

RESOLVED

          That the minutes of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee held on 25 April 2014 be agreed as a correct record.

RESOLVED

          That the minutes of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee held on 13 June 2014 be agreed as a correct record.

(To receive a report from Stuart Carlton, Assistant Director of Children's Services, which sets out the current position in relation to post 16 education and training and invites the Committee to make recommendations on the Strategic Priorities therein)

Consideration was given to a report from the Executive Director of Children's Services, which provided the Committee with an update in relation to post 16 education and training, identifying the changes to the mix and balance of provision required to ensure full participation to the age of 18.

The Chairman welcomed Mr Nigel Shier, Chairman of Growing Futures in Lincoln, to the meeting.  Mr Shier was accompanied by his son, Matthew, who was congratulated by the Committee, having just received his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

At 10.07am, Councillor Ms T Keywood-Wainwright joined the meeting.

The Chairman invited Mr Shier to give his presentation regarding the Growing Futures facility within Queens Park Community Hub in Lincoln.  Mr Shier explained that the idea for the community hub had emerged following the closure of Queens Park School and was specifically focussed on supporting young people and adults with learning difficulties.

The aims of Growing Futures were also identified as below:-

·       To provide opportunities to access therapeutic, vocational and creative activities for adults with learning difficulty, physical disabilities, complex needs and profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD)

·       To provide opportunities to access training and personal development leading to work based opportunities.

·       To provide opportunities to access an alternative curriculum and vocational education.

·       To provide opportunities for further education involvement in conjunction with local educational providers.

·       To provide opportunities to further the development of independent living skills and build and maintain their social network.

·       To provide support to young adults to access their local community including social, leisure, voluntary work, education and employment activities and opportunities.

·       To manage and maintain premises/properties deemed fit for purpose for delivery of the above aims, or, to lease rooms/space out to qualifying organisations who deliver services and/or activities that meet one or more of the above aims.

Organisations who support Growing Futures and provide training/courses in the centre include Action for Children, Lincoln College, Welfare to Work, the Pelican Trust, Busy Days, Lincoln Portage and CANadda as well as a number of Outreach Services being provided by the centre.

The centre has a café called Futures which is run with the assistance of their service users, who gain the necessary catering skills.  The centre also has a hydrotherapy pool and is quickly becoming a central part of the community in the South Park area of Lincoln.  Mr Shier concluded by inviting the Committee to visit the centre or contact him should any further information be required. 

Details below:-

Mr Nigel Shier

Chairman

Growing Futures

Queens Park Community Hub

South Park

Lincoln LN5 8EW

Telephone 01522 878112

Website www.lincolngrowingfutures.com

The Chairman thanked Mr Shier for his presentation and, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated him on the success of the centre, which was both impressive and of real benefit to the community.

Maggie Freeman, Head of Service 14-19, introduced the report which outlined issues which were anticipated from 2016 onwards.  Whilst preparing the report, it was reported that the Children and Families Act had been considered  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

(To receive a report from Tony McGinty, Assistant Director of Public Health, which provides the Committee with an update on the implementation of free school meals for infant children in Lincolnshire's schools)

Consideration was given to a report of the Executive Director of Public Health, which provided the Committee with an update on the implementation of free school meals in Lincolnshire's schools for infant children.

Introducing the report, Tony McGinty, Assistant Director of Public Health, confirmed that, as of Tuesday 22^nd July 2014, every school in Lincolnshire had a food supplier in place for September 2014.  Whilst provision was in place, the work involved to deliver this provision would likely continue to the end of August 2014.  Discussions were also ongoing with schools about how this would be delivered in the longer term.

During discussion, the following points were noted:-

·       In some cases additional improvements to provider kitchens to improve food quality had been undertaken to ensure quality was not lost during transportation, for example kitchens were actively discouraged from cooking batches too early and actively encouraged to cook all food batches at the same time.  This would then ensure the food was as fresh as it possibly could be before transportation. In the longer term, consideration would be given on how to improve this process further.

·       Parents had the option to remove their child from the scheme should they wish them to remain on packed lunches.

·       Children with complicated dietary needs were still to be considered and work continued on how to support these requirements.

·       The facilities within schools could differ greatly but if dinners were able to be cooked and delivered on site then this was being encouraged.  Capital logistics were part of the main discussions as some schools were considering reinstating kitchens and having whole school lunches but this would be dependent on space, costs involved, etc.

·       In respect to funding of the schools meals, the government were funding £2.30 per pupil but had also allocated some transitional funding for smaller schools as the impact in the difference on budgets had been recognised. Discussions were ongoing as to whether this transitional funding would be sustainable in the long term.

·       New food regulations were expected for all schools and a programme for nutritional standards was also being developed as a result.

The Chairman congratulated officers on the work and progress made so far.

RESOLVED

          That the challenging situation around the implementation of free school meals for infant children in Lincolnshire's schools be noted.

(To receive a report from Michelle Andrews, Head of Property and Technology Management, which invites the Committee to consider a report on the proposal to expand the capacity at Lincoln The Sir Francis Hill Community Primary School)

Consideration was given to a report of the Executive Director of Children's Services, which invited the Committee to consider a report on the proposal to expand the capacity at Lincoln The Sir Francis Hill Community Primary School (Final Decision) which is due to be considered by the Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health Services, Children's Services on 8^th August 2014.

Michelle Andrews, Head of Property and Technology Management, introduced the report by confirming the expansion was needed for 2015 and the increase in the primary provision was from 420 to 630.

During discussion, the following points were noted:-

·       The expansion would be a phased building plan developed in consultation with the Head Teacher and the contractor to ensure that disruption was kept to a minimum.

·       The size of the hard play area and hall space were decided by looking at the accommodation currently ensuring that standards were met.

·       Car parking was also decided on a formal basis.

RESOLVED

1.    That the report be noted;

2.    That the Committee supported the recommendations contained within the report and had no additional comments to make.

(To receive a report from Michelle Andrews, Head of Property and Technology Management, which invites the Committee to consider a proposal to expand the capacity at Lincoln St Faith's CofE Infant & St Faith and St Martin CofE Junior schools)

Consideration was given to a report of the Executive Director of Children's Services which invited the Committee to consider a report on the proposal to expand the capacity at Lincoln St Faith's CofE Infant & St Faith and St Martin CofE Junior schools (Final Decision) which was due to be considered by the Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health Services, Children's Services on 8^th August 2014.

Introducing the report, Michelle Andrews, Head of Property and Technology Management, explained that a two pronged approach was being considered to expand both schools at the same time.

During discussion, the following points were noted:-

·         The governors had expressed some anxiety about losing space but were now confident that the proposals presented were a good solution to the challenges faced with so many children in a small outdoor space.  It was thought that the multi-use games area was an excellent concept.

·         The purpose in demolishing the block was to increase the outdoor space by 200m² with the grassed area developed in conjunction with the school.

·         It was not unusual for schools to access wider community facilities where necessary therefore the school would continue to utilise the west common for larger sports events, etc.

·         Some concern relating to the Junior school was raised particularly in relation to the hard standing available and the proposed increase to that area to be able to accommodate over 360 pupils.  Although Lincolnshire was a mainly rural county with increased space available to schools, inner city schools were much smaller and it was felt that the proposals put forward were the best available.  The Committee was assured that all concerns raised by the local Member and also the Governors of the school had been considered when developing the proposals.

·         A suggestion was made to undertake the building work to the junior school in advance of the infants to ensure that year groups are only affected once.  This was to minimise the impact on children moving from the infant to the junior school.

·         Although outline drawings had been prepared and approved by the school, it was inappropriate for the Committee to see further detailed drawings as these would be presented to the Planning & Regulation Committee for their approval.

·         Concern regarding the Ofsted report and confidence in this improving once the expansion was complete was raised.  The Head Teacher and Governors had, reportedly, come together and were a strong collective in relation to the plans to improve the school overall, with a number of improvements having already been made.

RESOLVED

1.    That the report be noted;

2.    That the recommendation to expand the Lincoln St Faith’s CofE Infant School be supported; and

3.    That the recommendation to expand the St Faith and St Martin CofE Junior School be supported subject to proper consideration of how to maximise the outside play area space with a plan discussed and agreed between the Property and Technology Management Team at Lincolnshire County Council and the School Governing Body.

(To receive a report from Michelle Andrews, Head of Property and Technology Management, which invites the Committee to consider a report on the Proposal to amend the age range at Ash Villa School)

Consideration was given to a report by the Executive Director of Children’s Services, which invited the Committee to consider a report on the proposal to amend the age range at Ash Villa School, which was due for consideration by the Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health Services, Children’s Services on 8^th August 2014.

The Chairman welcomed Mr Leigh Bentley, Head Teacher of Ash Villa School, to the meeting.

Michelle Andrews, Head of Property and Technology Management, introduced the report and confirmed that the Committee was asked to consider the proposed amendment from 11-16 to 11-18 years from 1^st September 2014.  It was confirmed that five valid responses to the consultation had been received, all of which were in favour of the amendment.

The Chairman invited Mr Bentley to address the Committee.  He advised that the school currently supported pupils to year 11 with two teachers covering the GCSE curriculum, one of whom had a post 16 qualification.  It was planned for this teacher to liaise with colleges and schools to ensure additional support was available to year 12 and 13 students.  It was proposed that year 12 and 13 in-patient students could be reengaged into education, including life skill courses.

Members agreed that they were impressed with the good work undertaken at Ash Villa School and the need to have more special provision available.

RESOLVED

            That the proposal to amend the age range at Ash Villa School be supported, with no additional comments to be referred to the Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Health Services, Children’s Services.

(To receive a report from Councillor David Brailsford, Chairman of the Corporate Parenting Panel, which provides the Committee with an overview of the activities of the activities of the Panel)

The Committee gave consideration to an update report from the Corporate Parenting Panel, which provided details of the work of the Panel.  A copy of the draft minutes from the Corporate Parenting Panel meeting held on 13 March 2014 were attached for members’ consideration.

Councillor D Brailsford, Chairman of the Corporate Parenting Panel provided a further update for members.  A report from Legal Services Lincolnshire had been considered at the last meeting of the Panel regarding legal proceedings implemented in relation to care orders and supervision orders.  It had been highlighted that the new Public Law Outline, which came into full effect from 22 April 2014 would now require all decisions on social care proceedings to be made within 26 weeks.  However, Lincolnshire’s Family Court was the top performing court in the country in terms of concluding court cases within the legal timescales, with the average length of time being 22 weeks.

The Panel also held a meeting on 5 June 2014 where a report on the outcomes from the CQC Review of Health Services for Children Looked After and Safeguarding in Lincolnshire was considered.  This highlighted a number of issues and concerns relating to health services for Looked After Children with one criticism that health assessments for Looked After Children appeared to be episodic rather than continuous.  Public Health would be undertaking an analysis and redesign of health assessment forms and community paediatricians would also be involved in the initial health assessment.  Clinics with paediatricians were also in development.  A number of recommendations had been made by the CQC which were currently being addressed by the Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).  One of the recommendations related to increased leadership capacity in the Safeguarding NHS Lincolnshire Management Team and, as a result, additional money was being invested by the CCGs to employ four more members of staff.  The Panel expected an update on progress against the CQC recommendations and outcomes at its December meeting.

The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee would consider the minutes of the Panel from 5 June 2014 at the October meeting.

The Corporate Parenting Panel was next scheduled to meet on 18 September 2014 where it would be considering the final version of the new Corporate Parenting Strategy which had been in development since December 2013.  The Panel would also be considering reports on closing the gap in educational attainment for Looked After Children and the take up of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards by Looked After Children, the figures for which had proved challenging. 

Councillor Brailsford advised that there were two councillor development sessions arranged on 11 September, the first session in the morning and the second scheduled for the afternoon, about looked after children and corporate parenting.

The Chairman thanked Councillor Brailsford for the update and encouraged Members to attend one of the sessions on 11 September 2014.

RESOLVED

            That the report and update be noted.

(To receive a report from Tracy Johnson, Scrutiny Officer, which provides the Committee with an opportunity to consider its Work Programme)

Consideration was given to a report of the Scrutiny Officer which enabled the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee to consider its own work programme for the coming year.

It was noted that a Commissioning Workshop had been arranged following the next meeting on 12 September 2014 and Members were encouraged to attend.

There were no amendments to the presented work programme.

RESOLVED

1.    That the Work Programme, as set out at Appendix A, be agreed.

2.    That the content of the Children’s Services Forward Plan, as set out in Appendix B, be noted.

In accordance with Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the following agenda items have not been circulated to the press and public on the grounds that they are considered to contain exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended.  The press and public may be excluded from the meeting for the consideration of these items of business.

That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following two items, on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act, as amended.

(To receive a report from Lynn Brammer, Interim Commissioning Team Manager, which invites the Committee to consider details of the Domiciliary Care Commissioning Review)

Consideration was given to a report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services which invited the Committee to consider exempt information in relation to the Domiciliary Care Commissioning Review due for consideration by the Executive on 2 September 2014.

The report was introduced by Lynn Brammer, Interim Commissioning Team Manager, who provided further detail to the Committee.

RESOLVED

1.    That the recommendations contained within the exempt report, including the revised recommendation, be supported; and

2.    That the additional comments raised by the Committee be passed to the Executive to assist in their consideration of this item.

3.    That Councillors S R Dodds and Mrs J Brockway would take part, on behalf of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, in the development of the service specification for the Domiciliary Care Service.

(To receive a report from Mark Rainey, Project Manager – Families Working Together Team, which invites the Committee to consider an exempt report on Supported Accommodation)

Consideration was given to a report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services which invited the Committee to consider exempt information in relation to Support Accommodation due for consideration by the Executive on 2 September 2014.

The report was introduced by Mark Rainey, Interim Team Manager – Children’s Commissioning, with support from Jo Kavanagh, Head of Service – Lincoln and West Lindsey Locality and Families Working Together, and Phil Taylor, Lincolnshire Youth Housing Coordinator.  It was reported that the Executive would now consider this report on 7 October 2014 and it would now be a joint report with Public Health.

RESOLVED

1.    That the recommendations contained within the exempt report be supported; and

2.    That Councillors J D Hough, Mrs J Brockway and J R Hicks would take part, on behalf of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, in the development of the service specification for the Supported Accommodation Service.

The Chairman reported that this was Andrea Brown's last meeting as the Democratic Services Officer for the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee.  The Committee thanked Andrea for all her support to this Committee over the last 18 months.