Agenda Item No

Matter which the Chairman has decided is urgent by reason of the need to appraise Committee prior to the next meeting of Cabinet

The Vale of Glamorgan Council

Scrutiny Committee [Lifelong Learning] 8th September 2008

Director of Learning and Development

Children and Young People's Plan

Purpose of the Report

1.             The purpose of this report is to update Scrutiny Committee Members on the progress achieved in the development of the Children and Young People's Plan.

Recommendations

1.             To endorse the draft plan for Children and Young People.

2.             Request a report on the implementation of the plan in January 2009.

Reasons for the Recommendations

1.             Note the content of the plan.

2.             To review implementation arrangements and progress.

Background

2.             The Scrutiny Committee [Lifelong Learning] has previously received reports on the statutory obligation to produce a plan for Children and Young People within the Vale of Glamorgan.

3.             The Committee has received two progress reports and considered the version of the plan which was been circulated for consultation.

Relevant Issues and Options

4.             Following expiry of the consultation period, the plan has been reviewed further to consider the comments received from the Welsh Assembly Government, Partner agencies and other organisations.  Whilst the comments have been generally positive and supportive, a number of areas have been identified which have required the plan to be amended and improved.

5.             The final version of the plan is attached at Appendix 1.  Subject to minor drafting changes, it is intended that the document will be presented to Cabinet for formal agreement on 17th September in order to meet the Welsh Assembly Government timescales.

6.             The plan provides a basis for the Council and its partners to achieve the seven core aims for Children and Young People.  These are:-

·               Have a flying start in life.

·               Have a comprehensive range of education and learning opportunities.

·               Enjoy the best possible health and are free from abuse, victimisation and exploitation.

·               have access to play, leisure, sporting and cultural activities.

·               Are listened to, treated with respect and have their race and cultural identity recognised.

·               Have a safe home and a community which support physical and emotional wellbeing and

·               Are not disadvantaged by poverty.

7.             The plan has been developed as a collaborative and multi-agency project.  Representations have been received from all partners as well as specialist input from  the Community Safety Partnership and from the Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Partnership.  One of the challenges in delivering the plan, is to ensure that the  actions necessary to deliver agreed priorities are understood and supported by all partnerships and agencies involved.

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

8.             There is no additional funding associated with the development of the plan.  the expectation is that the plan will support a multi-agency approach which will improve efficiency and the effectiveness of services to children and young people [i.e. better outcomes] within existing resources.  It is also expected that the plan will enable improved focus in the use of resources to deliver core service priorities.

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)

9.             The plan will be produced in accordance with the Children and Young People's Plan [Wales] Regulations 2007.

Crime and Disorder Implications

10.        The plan will include provision for community safety arrangements which impact on children and young people.

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

11.        The plan will reflect the commitment of the Council and its partners to equality of opportunity.

Corporate/Service Objectives

12.        The plan will provide a basis for the Council to achieve its Corporate objectives for Education and Lifelong Learning.

Policy Framework and Budget

13.        This report is a matter for consideration by Scrutiny Committee [Lifelong Learning].

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

14.        The plan has been the subject of an extensive statutory consultation process.

Relevant Scrutiny Committee

15.        Lifelong Learning.

Background Papers

Welsh Assembly Government guidance.

Contact Officer

Bryan Jeffreys

Director of Learning and Development

Officers Consulted

Corporate Management Team

Responsible Officer:

Bryan Jeffreys

Director of Learning and Development