Agenda item

The Board received a presentation on the development of Halton’s new Children and Young People’s Plan 2024-2027.

Initially three principle questions were asked – what is life like for this child for young person; what can I do to make it better; and would this be good enough for my child.  Three priorities were identified as a result of these:

·       Working well in partnership;

·       Developing the workforce; and

·       Raising our aspirations.

The presentation gave information on what would be done to address each of these priorities and how the identified 12 priority issues would go into these.

In conclusion it was noted that the PPB would monitor progress made against the 12 priority issues of the Plan, as these would be reflected in the quarterly monitoring reports and be used to plan for the 2024-25 academic year.

Following Members’ questions and discussions the following information was provided:

·       Individual consultation had taken place with young people from various organisations such as schools, colleges and the Youth Council where a wide range of views had been received;

·       Regarding the ‘numbers of children in need of additional help to keep them safe’ – it was commented that every step was taken by all agencies to prevent them from entering the care system.  This cohort, numbering 1,295 (at the time of the agenda publication), were looked after by the ‘edge of care’ team;

·       Many children with SEND were presenting with more complex issues, including health issues.  It was felt that the NHS should be approached to assist with funding and other support for these children and work in partnership with the Council.  Examples were given of the challenges faced due to timeframes and the availability of places in special schools becoming available.  Also, due to competition from neighbouring authorities, a decision on placing a child requiring SEND must be made very quickly, or the place would be offered to another local authority, so there was very little time to consult with the NHS;

·       Having said the above, it was reported that there were a number of children who did received NHS funding (joint packages of care) from the ICB – Members stated that the extent of this support was not clear and requested more information.  It was noted that the new Children and Young People’s Plan would be used to record these outcomes;

·       It was recognised that a formal agreement was needed with the ICB regarding the sharing of funding, so that there was accountability between all partners;

·       The rate of Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) requests in Halton was rising year on year and was above the regional and national average;

·       Headteachers had been consulted on the Plan which had been positively received by them.  They would also see the final Plan before it was published;

·       Public Health were responsible for the recording of children’s height and weight and this was done by the Schools Health Improvement Team; and

·       Clarity was provided over the use of and credentials of the consultant employed to help develop the Plan.  He had worked with another local authority with very similar demographics to Halton.  The cost of the exercise would be sought as it was not at hand.

          RESOLVED:  That the Board

1)    note the report and presentation; and

2)    approves the Children and Young People’s Plan 2024.