MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSON’S COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON WEDNESDAY, 28 MAY 2003 COMMENCING AT 2.00 PM
Present :
Mr A J Mellor (Chairman), Mr C R Hancock, Mr J F Howe, Mrs M J Miller, Mr I R Stephens, Mr D G Williams
Co-opted (non voting) :
Mr A Clough - Youth MP
Portfolio Holders :
Mr G S Kendall, Mrs J L Wareham
1. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN
RESOLVED :
THAT Mr A J Mellor be elected Chairman for the ensuing year
2. MINUTES :
RESOLVED :
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on the 26 March 2003 be confirmed.
3. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN
RESOLVED :
THAT Mr I R Stephens be elected Vice Chairman for the ensuing year.
4. BEST VALUE JOINT REVIEW OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS, CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AND SIGNIFICANT HEALTH NEEDS
The Committee considered the improvement plan arising from the Best Value joint review and the progress to date. In particular members noted progress on the access to transport services which helped meet assessed need. A vehicle was shared between two special schools. It was suggested that investigations be made into widening the use of the bus. In particular, mindful of insurance constraints and liabilities, Foster carers being able to use the vehicle. It was suggested that an approach be made to the Children’s Fund to access more funding to help support the development of transport.
In discussion members considered the objectives that addressed the development of good working practices to make services more inclusive. It was noted that Parents involvement in training opportunities had now been provided to which there had been a positive response. With regard to children suffering with Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism there were continuing discussions on the transition from child and adult.
With regard to improving access and availability initial discussions had taken place with the two special schools to investigate the feasibility of extending the school working day/week/year. It was hoped that this could be developed as a pilot scheme with a small number of pupils. Members were advised that the cost of this service to 50 pupils would be £250,000. Members considered that the pilot scheme should be supported.
It was considered important to explore the early education of potential Special Educational Needs pupils.
RESOLVED :
THAT a progress report on Early Years be brought back to the Committee in July 2003.
5. OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TASK GROUP
Consideration was given to the report of the Head of Select Committee and Best Value Support which provided the Committee with an update on the work and progress of the Opportunities for Young People’s Task Group, that was formed to address issues that had arisen from the Best Value Review of Opportunities for Young People.
A draft Strategy had been produced addressing the issues arising from the review, however there were not enough resources to develop this to include the rest of the interested parties in the Council, such as Education and Social Services. The Committee considered that the strategy should be developed by the Youth Council, Mr A Clough, Youth MP agreed to take it forward to the Youth Council Steering Group. It was noted that the Youth Council was not yet fully established but would be able to give the strategy some consideration.
The development of a Young People’s Co-ordinator had been partly met by the Youth Empowerment Worker Post, however additional resources were required to make it a permanent position. In discussion it was thought that alternative funding could be sought to support the post beyond its current 3 year contract.
Some research had been undertaken with regard to the development of a Young People’s web-site. Mr A Clough, Youth MP, informed members that the Youth Council could look at the development of the website from June 2003 and September 2003, prior to the Youth Council elections.
Progress was being made with regard to work experience placements. The Young Employees forum had developed a mentoring scheme for people on work placements and a monitoring system to assess the quality of the placement. Members were assured that Work Experience co-ordinators were in schools. It was suggested that within the Council a list of willing volunteers be developed to assist the process.
The development of Hang out shelters was being progressed although there was no source of funding. The Youth empowerment worker would supply help and advice to local ventures and Town and Parish Council’s who may be considering similar schemes. It was suggested that the Task Group approach the Crime and Disorder department who may be able to provide further advice or help.
RESOLVED :
THAT the report be noted.
CHAIRMAN