Agenda item

(To receive a report from Clare Newborn, Community Safety Manager and Kathryn Smith, Community Safety Strategy Coordinator (Preventative Education), which provides the Committee with an update on the achievements of the Stay Safe Partnership during the course of the 2022-2023 academic year and plans for the coming year)

SITTING AS THE CRIME AND DISIRDER SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

Consideration was given to a report from Clare Newborn, Head of Community Safety and Kathryn Smith, Stay Safe Coordinator, which provided the Committee with an update on the achievements of the Stay Safe Partnership during the course of the 2022/2023 academic year and the plans for the coming year.

Reference was made to the background of the Stay Safe Partnership; the offer available to schools; the reach of the Stay Safe Preventative Education; increased capacity to do more; parental engagement; impact and effectiveness and evidence led intervention.

In conclusion, the Committee noted that the Stay Safe Partnership continued to evolve to meet need, and that it was considered to be the primary vehicle for preventative education in Lincolnshire, combining the efforts of a range of organisations and services for the benefit of the county’s children and young people.

During consideration of this item, some of the following comments were noted.

·       The Committee was advised that the Partnership was very responsive to the needs of young people and that need changed year on year.  It was highlighted that since Covid-19, learning was now back in the classroom and the sessions were interactive, with different scenarios and topics, along with questions that needed to be answered.  It was highlighted that prior to the end of each session, there was a recap of what had been covered to ensure that all learning points were taken on board; 

·       It was noted that all the survey responses were taken on the day of the session.  It was felt that was probably why responses were higher.  It was highlighted that the responses would be analysed and that any information highlighted would be shared with the Education Sub-Group.  An invitation was extended to all members of the Committee to attend a session at a school in their locality to observe the team;

·       The Committee noted that from the surveys, young people had highlighted they were worried about older groups of teenagers in a park; they did not like litter or walking down a street where there was lots of pubs with people outside drinking and smoking, or dark spaces.  It was highlighted that issues raised from the surveys were fed back into local neighbourhood policing teams, which then showed to the young people that their voices could make a difference;

·       Thanks were extended to officers for an excellent report;

·       The need for communication, mutual respect and trust between parents and children.  It was highlighted that the parent workshops provided tips on how to handle different scenarios, having early conversations with children regarding for instances on-line usage, and putting rules in place at the onset to prevent bad habits;

Note: Councillor E J Sneath left the meeting at 12.16pm.

·       That the drug and alcohol awareness workshops, not only advised of the effects of alcohol and drugs, it also provides guidance to the young people on how to safeguard themselves.  It was highlighted that the team did get disclosure information around families which was then passed on to safeguarding teams who were able to then provide support to the family and signpost them for further support if required;

·       Reassurance was provided that young people were being educated as to how to safeguard themselves in life;

·       The Committee noted that most phones and IT devices had Apps that were available for parents to put limits on screen time and limit access to social media sites; and

·       The additional areas students would like to learn about as highlighted on page 82 of the report pack.  It was noted that concerning sexual education, this had been referred to public health, who were looking at the Lincolnshire Integrated Sexual Health Services at the moment.  The Stay Safe Partnership would consider the other areas highlighted and include in their directory.

Note: Councillor A Danni left the meeting at 12.22pm.

The Chairman on behalf of the Committee extended his thanks to the presenters.

RESOLVED

1.      That the comments raised by the Committee in relation to this item be received.

2.      That support be extended to the continued delivery of the Stay Safe Partnership project in the proposed format.