Area Co-ordination Management Meeting

Ashton

Time: 10.00 - 12.00

Date: Thursday 10th January 2008

Venue: St Peter's Children's Centre, Trafalgar Square, Ashton-under-Lyne

Present:

• Tracy Wood - Area Co-ordinator
• Annie O'Malley - Connexions
• Christine Redmond - Ashton Family Support Team
• Sue Nathan - Youth Service
• Penny Hand - PCT
• Pam Chadwick - Youth Service
• Sue Warburton - Primary School Rep - Canon Johnson
• Anne Okwei - Children's Centres & Extended Schools
• Imelda Murphy - Ashton Assessment Team
• Jane Dufty - Inclusive Services

Note taker: Jo Cole

Item 1: Welcome

Tracy explained that Annie O’Malley will be chairing the meeting today in Jane-Ann’s absence.

Annie welcomed everyone to the meeting and wished everyone a happy new year. Introductions were made around the table.

Penny Hand introduced herself to the members of the meeting for the first time as the Locality Service Co-ordinator for the Ashton Area. She will replace Rita Jones at this meeting.

Item 2: Apologies

• Carl Kelsall - St Peter’s Youth
• Mary Clowrey - Education Welfare
• Jane-Ann Birkitt - Secondary School Rep (Chair)
• Catherine Matthews - Youth Offending Team

Item 3: Notes of last meeting and matter arising

The minutes from 22 November 2007 were accepted as a true and accurate record, with the following matters arising.

• Item 3

Action Item 1: Christine to confirm arrangements have been made for Karen Davies to attend to Children’s Social Care management team meetings.
Action Item 2: Julie is still working on compiling the list of referral forms. This will be emailed out when complete.

• Item 4.1

Action Plan No: 5.3 – Models of integrated working
Tracy reported that no comments or amendments were received. She also reported that a draft version has been to the CLT meeting and the final version will be going again soon.
Action Plan No: 2.1 and 2.2 – Integrated Processes – statistical update
For the benefit of the members not present at the last meeting Tracy gave a brief update on the discussions which took place at the last meeting.
Tracy explained that at the last meeting Harvey had challenged the CAF figures as he had interpreted CAF as Child and Family meeting. Concerns were noted regarding this abbreviation issue.
Action Item: Christine was able to confirm that this issue was no longer a problem within the team.
Action Item: Tracy has spoken to Jane Forrest regarding dividing data in to post code areas. It was agreed that post code data should be brought to this meeting on a 6-monthly basis.

• Item 5

Action Item: Julie emailed the consultation forms out yesterday.

• Item 6

Action Item: Jackie Lydon wasn’t able to attend today. She has been invited to the meeting on 20th March.

• Item 9

Action Item: Tracy had contacted John Whittle about YOT attendance at the meeting John had agreed to raise the issue with Catherine. It is understood that Catherine is currently on long term sick leave.
Action Item: Carl Kelsall has been invited to join the group but has had to give his apologies for today.

Item 4: “The Changing Role of Tameside Youth Service”

Presentation by Sue Nathan

She explained that this presentation will be delivered to a number of different groups and agencies.

The presentation then commenced, with the following points to note: -

• The provision had previously been available for 13-19 year olds. This has now been changed to 11-19 year olds.
• One of the main focuses is on the young people becoming independent, positive members of their community.
• The work is targeted at the most deprived areas.

• The layers of the curriculum circle are Target Groups, Values, Themes / Areas for Action, How, Where, Delivery Methods, Accreditation.
• In each geographical area there are 3 youth centres. In each youth centre, youth work is delivered 2 nights a week and detached work is delivered 3 nights a week. This involves youth workers visiting young people on the streets, parks etc and getting to know their needs.
• The detached work moves around depending on the assessment of need. In the Ashton area, it is currently in Waterloo and Hazelhurst.
• As well as being based at Broadoak & The Information Shop in Ashton, the Sexual Health Clinic also work in schools.
• For the first time ever, the same provision is available in each of the 4 areas.
• The PAYP Scheme has been in operation for approx 3 years. By 1st April 2008, every authority has to provide Targeted Youth Service work, which involves working intensely with the most ‘at risk’ group of young people. The young people will receive an OCN award. The level will be equivalent to an NVQ level 1.
• The school based work will be in Hartshead Sports College. Work will be carried out with each group for 3 month and will then the scheme will be targeted at another school.
• The scheme will continue for the next 3 years at least as part of the LAA.
• As well as locality work in each of the 4 areas, there are also borough-wide projects which take place, including: -
• Accreditation Project
  Based at Cycle-Ops
• Junior Awards
  Funded through the Children’s Fund
• Multi-media Project
  Currently based at Duke Street in Denton, includes singing, playing the guitar, dj-ing, rapping.
• Disability Project
  Based at Bennett Street Youth Centre in Hyde. There are currently 60 active members who attend the youth club every Tuesday and Thursday. Over the next few months this will hopefully be extended into schools.
• Youth Opportunity Fund
  The amount available through the YOF is currently £150k per year. The YOF has been running very successfully for the past two years.
  Young people apply for grants to the YOF Panel. The Panel membership consists of young people who are responsible for making the decisions regarding the grants.
  There was a borough-wide panel last year but this has now changed to reflect the 4 areas. From this year there will be a panel in each area. The panel for the Ashton area has been established, currently meeting every Wednesday evening at the New Charter office in Ashton.
  Details of the criteria for applying and an application form were circulated during the meeting – further copies can be obtained from Sue Nathan.
• Out Loud
  Youth club for gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans gender young people, based in Ashton. They are currently working on a film which is being filmed this Saturday at Stalybridge train station and will be aired in the summer. It will focus on their feelings and experiences.
  

Sue thanked everyone for giving her the opportunity to show the presentation and welcomed any questions or comments.

• Anne Okwei suggested the children’s centre in Waterloo as a base for the detached work.
• Annie O’Malley reminded everyone that there is a TV in the reception of the newly refurbished Connexions office in Ashton. This is a really good way of promoting any project or activity to young people.
• Anne Okwei discussed the possibility of a group of young people applying for a YOF grant in order to make improvements to the children’s centres in terms of designing signage for the outside of the buildings.
  

Action items	Person responsible	Deadline
Sue to follow up on the suggestions made following the presentation	Sue Nathan	Ongoing
Anne Okwei to follow up on the YOF grant application	Anne Okwei	Ongoing

Item 5: Area Action Plan

Item 5.1: Area Action Plan - No. 2 - Integrated Processes

• Referral Arrangements
  
  A proposal will be going to CLT and then to CYPSP regarding using the Common Assessment as a referral / request for service process.
  
  Tracy explained that this will not replace the existing referral procedures, but may be beneficial in instances where a Common Assessment has been undertaken as duplication will not be necessary.
  
  There was a discussion regarding the procedure that should be followed when there is a child protection issue. Imelda and Annie to meet separately to discuss individual concerns.
  
  Tracy stressed that this is still a proposal at this time but that it the next meeting might be too late for consultation. Managers asked to float the idea within their teams and to highlight any possible areas of issue with this to Tracy. Further information will be available at the next meeting in March.
  Tracy requested that people email her with any comments.

Action Points	Person Responsible	Deadline
Imelda and Annie to meet separately	Imelda / Annie	ASAP
Email Tracy with comments and feedback on the proposal.	All	Ongoing

• Service Information Directory (SID)
  
  SID is currently undergoing an upgrade to make it more user friendly. The new format will be out for consultation by the next meeting. It will become live in April 2008.
  
  Sue asked if there has been any progress made on the link to a young people’s website. Annie sits on the Public Information Group and reported that discussions have taken place.
  
  Tracy / Annie will ensure that it is on the agenda at the next Public Information Group which takes place next week.

Action items	Person Responsible	Deadline
Young people’s website issue to go on the Public Information Group agenda.	Tracy / Annie	ASAP

• Management Information – December 2007
  
  Tracy circulated a copy of the latest data, showing number of Common Assessments completed, lead professionals assigned, child and family meetings convened. Tracy stressed that this data is taken from JASPER so only reflects activity where the information has been inputted on JASPER and is therefore not necessary a true reflection of total activity.

Item 5.2: Area Action Plan – No. 8 – Monitoring Progress to Integration

• Staff Survey
  
  Tracy reported that 391 responses had been received and went through some key results. More information will be circulated when the data has been formally analysed.
  
  Annie reported that some of her staff felt that some of the questions were difficult to answer.
  
  Sue felt that the questions were a bit repetitive.

Item 6: Update Children and Young People Plan

Tracy brought a paper copy of the Children and Young People Plan to ensure people were aware of it.

Tracy highlighted that the Plan includes all the web links to key documents and the newly agreed priorities.

The review of the Plan will take the form of a self-assessment to tie in with the JAR.

It was requested that hard copies are circulated.

Action items	Person responsible	Deadline
Jo to send out copies to school & PCT reps	Jo Cole	31.1.08

Item 7: JAR Area Workshop / Event

These events will be open to any practitioners wishing to attend in order to build integrated relations and to prepare for the JAR. The main purpose will be to promote understanding of the processes and raise awareness – they will also provide an opportunity for networking.

The format is currently being developed and will include presentations and focus groups.

The events will be half day events, hopefully taking place in March 2008. More information to follow when arrangements have been finalised.

Item 8: Stamford Pilot Update

In Jane-Ann’s absence, Tracy updated the meeting following an email received from Jane-Ann.

The email reported that the pilot is still progressing but that there are issues regarding inputting the information on to such a large database, access rights and confidentiality to still to overcome.

For the benefit of new members to the meeting, Tracy explained the basic purpose and background of this pilot project.

Jane-Ann will provide an update at the next meeting.

Action items	Person responsible	Deadline
Update required at the next meeting	Jane-Ann	20.3.08

Item 9: Staff Directory

Tracy briefly explained the purpose of the staff directory as being a one-stop directory of services working with children and young people in each geographical area. It will only be accessible for practitioners and not members of the public.

Practitioners will be able to access the staff directory through JASPER and later possibly through SID via a password protected link. The deadline for sending this to Jane Forrest for inclusion on JASPER is 31st January 2008.

Tracy requested that everyone has one final look for any corrections and amendments for their section before the deadline.

There was a discussion regarding SID and the perception of the public as to its purpose. It was suggested that the name needs to be changed.

Action items	Person responsible	Deadline
Staff directory to be sent out again	Jo Cole	20.01.08
Corrections / amendments to Tracy or Jo	All	31.01.08

Item 10: AOB

Sue advised everyone that the Youth Service Inspection will be taking place at the same time as the JAR. Sue explained that this is a separate inspection but will be contribute to the overall JAR score. Sue may be contacting managers and staff in preparation for the inspection.

Item 11: Future Meetings

The next meeting will take place on Thursday 20th March 2008 at Stamford High School, 10.00 – 12.00

Tracy requested volunteers to host the September and November meetings. It was agreed as follows

• September – West End Family Support Team – Christine Redmond / Imelda Murphy
• November – Connexions office – Annie O’Malley

Action items	Person responsible	Deadline
Christine / Imelda to send Tracy details of the location of the West End Family Support Team.	Christine / Imelda	25.09.08

Meeting Closed at 11.55am

Thanks to Annie O’Malley for chairing the meeting in the absence of Jane-Ann Birkitt.

Glossary

• ACMT Area Co-ordination Management Team
• APIR (profile) Assessment, Planning, Implement and Review
• CAF Common Assessment Framework
• CAMHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
• CMM Capability Maturity Model
• CLT Children’s Leadership Team
• CWDC Children’s Workforce Development Council
• CYP Children and Young People
• CYPSP Children and Young People Strategic Partnership
• ECM Every Child Matters
• EIG Early Intervention Group
• ISA Information Sharing and Assessment
• ISSP Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme
• JASPER Joint Assessment System for Prevention and Early Referral
• LA Local Authority
• OBA Outcome Based accountability
• PAYP Positive Activities for Young People
• PCT Primary Care Trust
• SENCO Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator
• SID Service Information Directory
• T3SC Tameside Third Sector Coalition
• TOR Terms of Reference
• YOF Youth Opportunity Fund
• YOT Youth Offending Team