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Vale of Glamorgan Council

Agenda Item No

The Vale of Glamorgan Council

 

Scrutiny Committee [Lifelong Learning]: 1st June, 2009

 

Report of the Director of Learning and Development

 

Children and Young People's Plan

 

Purpose of the Report

1.     To brief Scrutiny Committee [Lifelong Learning] on the work being undertaken to progress the Children and Young People's Plan.

Recommendations

1.     That Scrutiny Committee [Lifelong Learning] note the progress being achieved in resourcing the Children and Young People's Plan and request a further report on the revised Action Plan at the September meeting of the Committee.

Reasons for the Recommendations

1.     To enable the Committee consider and endorse changes to the statutory plan.

Background

2.     The Children and Young People's Plan [CYPP] is one of the main strategic plans now required by the Welsh Assembly Government.  Whilst the obligation for producing the plan rests with the Vale of Glamorgan Council, the content of the plan is a matter for consideration by the Children and Young People's Partnership.  The structure of the partnership and its link to the Local Service Board is outlined in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 attached.

3.     The Vale of Glamorgan Children and Young People's Plan was developed to establish arrangements for local implementation of measures to achieve the Welsh Assembly Government's seven core aims for children and young people.  These are:-

·       A flying start to life

·       A comprehensive range of education and learning opportunities

·       A healthy life, free from abuse, victimisation and exploitation

·       Access to play, leisure, sporting and cultural activities

·       Listened to and treated with respect and have race and cultural identity recognised

·       A safe home and a community that supports physical and emotional wellbeing

·       A life not disadvantaged by poverty

 

4.     The original plan brought together needs assessment in these areas to develop an action plan which was considered in detail by this Scrutiny Committee before being presented to Cabinet for approval.

Relevant Issues and Options

5.     Following approval and formal launch of the Children and Young People's Plan, nominated groups of Local Authority, Statutory Partners and Voluntary Sector representatives have been engaged in progressing the action plan under each of the core aims.

6.     As part of their work, each of the Core Aim Group has also been asked to review the detail of the proposed action plans and to seek, where possible, to simplify those plans by removing process tasks and focusing on outcomes.  This is consistent with the approach being presented by the Welsh Assembly Government Association             Data Unit.

7.     Whilst this is a challenging task, it is an essential step if the partnership is to be able to build upon its past success and to present a simplified and prioritised set of objectives which can provide a framework for the levels of multi-agency working necessary to deliver the core aims.  The Core Aim Groups are being supported by the Directorate of Learning and Development, the Partnership Co-ordinator and by the Local Government Data Unit in this task.

8.     It is expected that much of the work will be completed by June so that Members can be consulted in July.  The Council has the obligation to review the plan by October, so the work currently being undertaken will enable the statutory timescales to be met.

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

9.     There are no resource implications arising from this report.

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)

10.   The plan has been produced in accordance with the Children and Young People's Plan [Wales] Regulations 2007.

Crime and Disorder Implications

11.   The plan includes provision for community safety.

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

12.   The Council's commitment to equality of opportunity is reflected in the plan.

Corporate/Service Objectives

13.   The plan supports the Council's priorities for Education and Lifelong Learning.

Policy Framework and Budget

14.   This is a matter for executive decision by Cabinet.

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

15.   None.

Relevant Scrutiny Committee

16.   Lifelong Learning.

Background Papers

Children and Young People's Plan.

Contact Officer

Bryan Jeffreys

Director of Learning and Development

Officers Consulted

None.

Responsible Officer:

Bryan Jeffreys

Director of Learning and Development

Vale of Glamorgan Council, Civic Offices, Holton Road, Barry CF63 4RU, Tel: (01446) 700111