Apologies were received from the following member(s) of the panel:

Cllr Christopher Haynes

Cllr Paula Brookfield

Rosalie Watkins

Cllr Dr Michael Hardacre and Cllr Daniel Warren declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 6 Wolverhampton Youth Zone

[To approve the minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record]

That the minutes of the meeting held on 8.7.15, subject to the agreed changes, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

[To consider any matters arising from the minutes]

Minute 6 – Role of local authority in raising school standards of attainment

Scrutiny Officer advised the panel that a briefing paper on the number of children leaving school with no qualifications will be published before the end of September 2015.

Scrutiny Officer advised that a briefing paper on the monitoring arrangements for children being educated at home was sent to panel members on 27.8.15.

Minute 7 Wolverhampton Children, Young People and Families Plan 2015 25

Scrutiny Officer advised that a briefing paper on the achievements to date of the Children and Young People Plan 2011-14 was been sent to panel members on 31.7.15.

[Alice Vickers, Corporate Parenting Officer and Kyron Hughes, Vice-Chair Children in Care Council, will give a joint presentation on corporate parenting, the responsibilities of Councillors and the work of the Children in Care Council]

Alice Vickers, Corporate Parenting Officer, presented the report.  Corporate Parenting Officer explained that Kyron Hughes was unable to attend the meeting. Cllr O’Neil suggested that the presentation be deferred to a future meeting.

Corporate Parenting Officer outlined the responsibilities of the Council and local partners to meet work together to meet the needs of Looked After Children.

Corporate Parenting Officer outlined the important role of Councillors to support young people to get the best outcomes for Looked After Children (LAC). Corporate Parenting Officer encouraged Councillors to think about the impact of policies, initiatives and services on LAC in their meetings.

Corporate Parenting Officer updated the panel on the positive impact on Children in Care Council members who have their monthly meetings in the Council Chamber. The meetings are used to talk about policies and procedures and interview heads of service. Corporate Parenting Officer commented on the links between members Children in Care Council and Wolverhampton Council and work being done to build relationships. Corporate Parenting Officer commented on the range of work being done to support Looked After Children, for example, six weekly joint meetings with Youth Council to get their voices heard.

Representatives of the Children in Care Council are attending a conference in Birmingham

Panel welcomed the report.

The panel made the following comments about the report.

·         The panel commented on concerns about how LAC cope with the number of professionals who would typically be in contact during the year and also the work done to reduce the number  of changes in social worker allocated to their case. Corporate Parenting Officer explained the Total Respect training is an opportunity to share their feelings.  In addition, links are being made with Wolverhampton Council to encourage LAC to talk to other young people. Emma Bennett, Service Director Children and Young People, outlined the range of work done to review the number of people who are in contact with LAC. Service Director outlined the work done to minimise the number of changes in social workers in contact with the LAC.

·         The panel queried evidence to show progress in meeting the corporate parenting priorities listed in the report. Corporate Parenting Officer explained that a range of representatives from different agencies are involved in delivering the priorities. In the commissioning process organisations are asked how they can support care leavers. Organisations will have to provide evidence that they are delivering on their commitments to LAC.  Members of CIC have been involved in drafting a set of bank questions that bidders will asked to respond. This work is part of wider efforts to involve LAC in decisions that will affect them and get services to think about their needs.

·         The panel queried progress on achieving priorities set by the Children in Care Council.  Corporate Parenting Officer gave an examples of the work done to deliver priority 9 – making placements more positive  and commented on the work done with representatives of the voluntary sector and school to look at opportunities to promote the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

[Philippa Gregory, The Way, Wolverhampton Youth Zone will give an update on progress of the development.]

Philippa Gregory, Development Manager – The Way, gave a presentation to update panel on the current progress of the building work and the key themes that will be used to structure activities. The building is based on the idea first developed in Bolton to provide a range of facilities to young people. Development Manager explained that the building will aim to provide young people with somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to.

Development Manager gave examples of specific plans and activities that will be delivered at the centre. The building will open to young people aged 8-19 years. The building will be open every day and young people will be charged 50p per visit to take part in 20 different activities on offer.

Development Manager commented on the support provided by local sponsors and the work being to recruit more local business. Development Manager commented on the important role of volunteers to the future success of the building and there will be a focus on encouraging adults to either act as a mentor for young people or to provide sessions. Young people will have the opportunity to take part in a range of taster activity sessions such as basic first aid, apprenticeships.

Development Manager explained that the building will be open on 16 January 2016. 18 local businesses have agreed to sponsor the building. The target is to recruit 50 local businesses in total. 

A range of work is being done to involve young people in developing core values of the Youth Zone.

Development Manager outlined work done to learn the lessons from the first Youth Zone building that was developed in Bolton. There was concern before the building young people coming into the city centre and from parents about children aged 12 -14 and the public transport. In response to concerns a direct bus service to the building was introduced. Development Manager explained that discussions are on-going with Bromford Homes and the provision of a dedicated shuttle bus service.

The panel queried the opening times. Development Manager explained that the centre will be open from 4pm to 10pm. Young children will be have to be dropped off and collected.

The panel queried if there will be a security presence at the Youth Zone.  Development Manager explained that security staff will not have an identified look. The aim will be to provide a low key presence at the building. Development Manager outlined the range of measures to create a safe and positive environment for young people and staff. For example, youth workers will be involved in tackling behaviour issues by building trust with young people and talking about issues. The police will also be involved in working with staff to deal with anti-social behaviour. The aim will be to encourage young people to treat the building with respect. There will be system used to monitor people entering and leaving the building.

Service Director Children and Young People commented that targeted youth workers would also be involved  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.