Agenda and minutes

To be notified of the appointment of any Substitute Members.

There were no substitute members reported.

You are invited to declare any registerable and/or non-registerable interests in the matter appearing on the agenda, and the nature of that interest.

You are also invited to disclose any dispensation in relation to any registerable and/or non-registerable interests that have been granted to you in respect of any matters appearing on the agenda.

Please complete the Declarations of Interests card available at the meeting and return it to the Democratic Services Officer before leaving the meeting.

Councillor Martin Murphy declared a registerable personal interest in Item 5, Children and Young People Plan, as his wife works for North Tyneside Council in an education role.

Councillor Rebecca O’Keefe declared a registerable personal interest in Item 6, Post 16 Skills Provision, as she works for the Phoenix Detached Youth Project.

Councillor Erin Parker Leonard declared a registerable personal interest in Item 6, Post 16 Skills Provision, as she works for Children North East.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 7 September 2023.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 7 September 2023 be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive a presentation in relation to the refresh of the Children and Young People Plan.

The sub-committee received a report and presentation inviting Members to comment on the initial proposals of the priorities set out within the refresh of the Children and Young People’s Plan 2023-2025 (the Plan).  The Plan sets out the strategic framework and partnership priorities to ensure that all children in North Tyneside can achieve their full potential.  The latest refresh of the plan has commenced in light of the impact of covid on children, young people and families.

It was noted that the refresh was ‘light touch’ and a new Children and Young People’s Plan will be developed in 2025 to align with the priorities in the Our North Tyneside Plan and Equally Well Strategy.

The Plan is developed and owned by the Children and Young People’s Partnership.  The partnership brings together public, voluntary and community sector organisations to improve the lives of the borough’s children and young people.

The sub-committee was informed that the Plan focuses on delivering improved outcomes for all children and young people up to the age of 19 years, and those young people aged up to 25 years who are care leavers, have special educational needs or a disability and live in the borough. 

The partnership collectively focuses on themes that children, young people and their families tell us matter most to them – ensuring that all children and young people are safe, happy, healthy and able to achieve in North Tyneside.  The delivery on priority themes will be underpinned by the ambition to reduce inequalities, prevention and early help and listening to the voice of children and young people.

Members were informed that a multi-agency action plan will ensure a joined-up approach to achieve the vision in the Plan and would be reviewed regularly and progress reported through the partnership.

The sub-committee discussed where the detail would be in the Plan in terms of how the aims would be achieved and how targets would be set and measured.  It was noted that there are a number of plans and strategies that sit behind the Plan and that the action plan would contain a greater level of detail.  In terms of success, it was about maximising achievement and reducing the inequalities gap.  In was suggested that the draft plan in full could come back to the sub-committee prior to its approval by Cabinet.

It was noted that the next steps in undertaking the refresh of the Children and Young Plan would be to engage with children and young people to ensure that their voices are heard.

It was agreed to note the contents of the report and presentation.

To receive a presentation on Post 16 Skills Provision available across the Borough of North Tyneside.

The sub-committee received a report and presentation in relation to post-16 skills provision across North Tyneside.  As part of its work programme setting process, the sub-committee had identified this as an important area to focus on.  The presentation provided an overview of the progression pathways available to young people including different types of skills provision, examples of the support and organisations delivering support across the Borough, along with potential gaps in provision and the actions taken to address these gaps.  It was noted that a directory of all provision available was currently under development.

The sub-committee was informed that an activity survey of school leavers in 2022 indicted that 890 young people went on to sixth form, 1125 to further education, 147 went into employment with training and 42 were not in education, employment or training (NEET).  Further and higher education included A levels, foundation learning, specialist colleges and work-based learning included study programmes and supported internships.

Members were informed of a number of training provisions available within North Tyneside, including Working Roots, Northumbria Youth Action and Meadowwell Connected.  There was also provision available for voluntary, personal development and reengagement, including Working Well Hub, DiscoverMe and Prince’s Trust.

The Committee discussed how young people and families are made aware of the provision available.  It was noted that it is included in the North Tyneside Local Offer, due to be reviewed in 2024, and the participation and engagement team send out information through parent/carer forums.  Social media is also used to share information and services. 

In relation to young people not in education, employment or training, it was noted that the figures in North Tyneside were lower than the regional average and in line with the national average.

A member of the Committee raised the shortage of people working in the care sector and it was highlighted that this was a priority area, with providers demonstrating the opportunities available in that area.  It was asked that information be circulated to committee members related to the number of young people engaging in training related to social care, how many people go onto work in the sector and figures going back a few years to allow for comparison. 

Officers were asked what support is available for young people from ethnic minority groups to help them access the provision on offer.  It was noted that translation services are available, as are courses to help people learn and improve English if it is not their main language.  It was agreed that more information about these services would be circulated to members.

Members commented that it was good to hear about tangible outcomes and case studies of where young people had used provision available.  It was agreed that some further case studies be shared with the Committee.  During discussions, it was also requested that information be circulated on the percentages of young people that move onto higher education and training.

It was agreed to note the information provided.

To receive a verbal update on the delivery of the 2023/24 work programme.

The sub-committee received a verbal update in relation to the delivery of the 2023/24 work programme.

At its meeting in September 2023, the sub-committee had considered the work undertaken in the development of a new Attendance Strategy.  An update was provided to inform members that, since the discussion with the sub-committee, feedback has been sought on the draft strategy from a wide range of stakeholders.  This included Headteacher, parent/carer forum and the participation team were consulting a group of young people.

The sub-committee had previously identified post pandemic social well-being with a focus on school attendance as an area for an in-depth piece of work.  Following the sub-committee’s consideration of the Attendance Strategy, members were asked if this was still a priority area or if it was felt there was a more pressing topic for the sub-committee to focus on.

Members felt that this was still an important issue to focus on, looking at barriers to attendance and alternative provision placements in the borough for young people unable to attend school for a period of time.  It was noted that it is important to engage with schools as part of this work and it was suggested that the schools forum could be a good place for engagement.