Supporting Children and Young People to Achieve Economic Wellbeing

Notes of Meeting

Time: 9.00

Date: 26 November 2008

Venue: Flowery Children’s Centre, Hyde

Chair: Lucy Davies

Note taker: Jo McLaren

Present:

Bob Shaw -  Area Co-ordinator and Theme Lead, TMBC
Lucy Davies -  Head of Access & Equality and Chair, TMBC
Caroline Gregory -   Principal Neighbourhood Renewal Officer, TMBC
Colm O’Brien  -  Young Persons Accommodation & Development Officer, TMBC
Christine Gerrard -  Leaving Care Team, TMBC
Tracy Buckley -  Tameside College
Vicky Cuddy  -  Children’s Centres, TMBC
Andrew Leah - Housing Services, TMBC
Paul Dean -  Rathbone
Tom Taylor -  NACRO
Alan Franco -  Welfare Rights, TMBC
Sheila Piazza - Connexions

1. Welcome and Introductions

Lucy welcomed everyone to the meeting and introductions were made around the table.

2. Apologies

Phil Spence - Community Economic Development Manager, TMBC
Linda McLarnon -  Prince’s Trust
Stephanie Jones, - LSC
John Symington - 14-19 Strategy Manager
David Burdis -  New Charter

3. Minutes of the Last Meeting

The minutes of the last meeting were agreed as an accurate record.

4. Matters Arising

7.1.3 – Discussion & Judgement

Bob asked for confirmation that the judgements had been recorded accurately. All members agreed that the minutes were an accurate record of the discussions.

7.1.4 – Improvement Actions from the Meeting

Bob explained that the figures in the report card presented by the Youth Offending Team included school age children; the group expressed an interest in looking at the post-16 cohort separately. This will be examined at a future meeting.

Caroline Gregory reported that the Partnership Information Portal is to be launched on 12th December.

• Contains a huge range of information which can provide a good picture of the super output areas. It can also be used to compare statistics locally and nationally.
• The Partnership Information Portal will replace the Quality of Life document as it can be updated on a regular basis rather than yearly.

Lucy suggested that this information could be presented at the Children’s Leadership Team meeting.

5. Briefing on Ending Child Poverty: Everybody’s Business

Alan Franco led on this item.

• Two documents were circulated prior to the meeting which highlight the issue of child poverty. One of the documents contains a table showing Income Distribution data. These national figures are based on the results from the Family Resources Survey.
• Child poverty is measured by how many families receive an income which is 60% below the median income for that size of family.
• Alan and Bob are going to the End Child Poverty: Everybody’s Business North West Conference. Beverley Hughes MP will also be in attendance.
• The Government have introduced the following:

1. Increasing child benefit from January 2009 to £20 per week for the 1st child. Increases will also be introduced for the 2nd/3rd child.
2. From October this year, child benefit will be disregarded as an income when considering other benefits. This will increase work incentives.
3. Various aspects of the Child Tax Credit will be increased from April 2009. This increase will be above the rate of inflation.

Lone parents with children 12-16 years old cannot claim income support. They must claim job seekers allowance or another benefit e.g. incapacity benefit.

• A document was then circulated showing a random 55 records out of a possible 5780 of families in Tameside on Council Tax Benefit. Using this database there is the potential for a dialogue with every one of the families, if not already engaged with a children’s centre or another agency. Thomas Johnson, the lead on data for children’s centres, holds this data.
• Bob reported that Thomas provides this as aggregated data each quarter. This serves as a proxy indicator for NIS 116, the proportion of children living in poverty (in households receiving out of work benefits).
• In terms of data protection, any marketing exercise that is undertaken based on this data must be sent out by the Housing Benefit team as they hold the data.

Questions / Comments / Discussion

Lucy

• How can we use this data beneficially?
• Alan
• The data could be used to maybe run a pilot at a particular children’s centre. There are of course other potential ways of using the data.
• Bob to meet with Alan and Vicky to explore potential future initiatives within children’s centres.

Bob

• Child poverty and the data available should be the theme for a future meeting. Work should commence in the meantime to prepare for future meetings.

Caroline

• Once the Commissioning Strategy for Working Neighbourhood Funds has been approved, funds will be available to support initiatives.
• One initiative will include financial training and awareness sessions and encouraging people to use credit unions rather than loan sharks.

Andrew

• A life skills and financial awareness training programme has been rolled out across all children’s centres in Tameside. It has been advertised in the ‘What’s On’ guides and has also been delivered to staff to raise their awareness.
• A meeting has been arranged to discuss the issue of loan sharks in the area.
• Holy Trinity School currently run an information and collection point for the credit union Cashbox. It is available for the children and young people and their families and it has proven very successful.
• The draft Needs and Demand survey has been received. The results will indicate those in very poor quality private sector housing in particular localities – the results will probably mirror the council tax benefit list.
• Tameside is considering the proposition of becoming a fast-track authority for a mortgage rescue initiative introduced by the government.

Sheila

• Does the Leaving Care Team offer financial awareness sessions? Are care leavers aware of credit unions?

Christine

• Work is undertaken with young carers on debt management and budgeting. Can sometimes be difficult to engage young people when they are involved in drug abuse.

Paul

• Rathbones have secured funding to use for debt management and financial awareness sessions.

Bob

• What activities take place in schools regarding financial awareness?
• Bob to speak to John Symington (14-19 Manager).
• An earlier view held by some members of the group was that that a local Child Poverty Strategy was not required as this was adequately covered by prosperous society theme in the Community Strategy. However, maybe this is an appropriate time to reconsider.

6. Tellus 3 Survey: Data & Summary

The results of the survey and a summary were circulated prior to the meeting. The group noted the Achieve Economic Wellbeing data on page 3.
Comments:

• Sheila – disappointed on the small percentage of respondents in 14-16 age range – only 23%.
• Christine – this small number are probably the young people that are pro-active and engaged already. What about the hard to reach?
• Lucy – comparatively we are similar to the national figures.
  

7. Homeless Prevention and Young People: Update

Colm and Tom Taylor led on this item to give information on the Tameside Homelessness Peer Education Project. The presentation is attached for information.

Main points to note:

• Aims of the project have been developed based on young people’s views.
• The workshops are completely interactive and designed to help the young people to open up and to encourage them to share their stories and present it in schools in the form of still life images. The workshops help build confidence and self esteem.
• There is currently a core group of 8 peer educators. 5 of them are Teenage Parent Peer Educators from Connexions who do presentations/workshops in schools on teenage pregnancy but also have a great deal of input with the homelessness workshops.
• Homelessness presentations/workshops have taken place in Alder and Colm is visiting Astley this afternoon to discuss going there.
• Young people respond more to the peer educators – they can relate to them more – same cultural background, similar experiences.
• Rathbone / E2E – these young people are the Peer Education Project’s main client demographic.
• NACRO Bus – available to do outreach work.
• Credit-card sized information cards have been produced to give out to young people. The card contains key contacts.
• Marketing activities have been done in schools. Personal presence is better than leaflets.

Questions / Comments / Discussion

The Teenage Parent Peer Educators are part of the Care to Learn scheme where they receive free childcare whilst they are presenting information and attending workshops. They enjoy the social aspect of the project as well the sense of achievement.

Branching Out have Peer Educators who visit schools and PRUs offering information and advice on drugs and alcohol.

Tracy

It is also important for parents to be aware of the issues relating to their children leaving home at an early age with no form of financial or job security. Awareness-raising sessions need to be offered to parents.

Christine

• A new project is currently being established entitled Operation Stay Safe.
• This project will be run jointly with the Police and will be operational on Friday and Saturday evenings, 9pm – 2am.
• The aim is to reduce crime and make young people safer on the streets.
• The project is currently recruiting experienced staff.

Suggestions for Future Development

• Attendance at the Citizenship / PSHE Network of Teachers meeting – promote the project.
• Youth Clubs / Youth Service – could recruit volunteers and also promote the project.
• Being a Peer Educator could be part of the student programme at Tameside College.
• Work Based Learning Network – a lot of training providers attend this meeting – could be useful to attend. Tom to converse with Rathbones about details of the next meeting.
• Awareness-raising needs to take place with school staff. They are often the first person that a young person will speak to in confidence.
• It is often the learning mentor who would get involved with this type of situation. Could be useful to attend one of their Network Meetings.
  

8. Theme of the Meeting:

Children and Young People who are Looked After are Helped to Achieve Economic Wellbeing.

8.1  Update on Previous Improvement Actions

5.6.1 – That further consideration be given to improving care leavers access to apprenticeship schemes
Tony Kay not present – Bob will write to him for a written update.
5.6.2 – That further consideration is given to improving care leavers access to work experience placements with local public bodies (e.g. PCT, Council).
This is covered under Item 8.2 – Report Card 4
5.6.3 – That Welfare Benefit Service would meet with Christine Gerrard to revisit benefit entitlement position of leaving carers.

Alan and Christine have agreed that, for a trial period, details of all care leavers would be forwarded to the Welfare Rights Service. They would then advice on potential entitlement to benefits and the financial implications of taking up entry level employment.

8.2 Report Cards

Report Card 1 of 4 – Lead: Christine Gerrard

NI 147 and C&YP Plan priority EW4: % of former care leavers aged 19 who were looked after on the 1st April in their 17th year who were in suitable accommodation. (08/09 target 95%)

• This figure shows that by 19 care leavers are settled in suitable accommodation.
• The figure has increased to 100% after a small decline.
• The national average is 88% and the neighbour average is 84.1%.
• Work has taken place with the Youth Offending Team and the Young People’s Mental Health Service.
• Developments over the last 12 months include the move of the Leaving Care Team into Clarence Arcade with Housing Options, Connexions, Teenage Pregnancy Team and CAMHS. This has led to improved multi-agency working.
• The number of care leavers in long-term bed & breakfast accommodation has reduced to 1 – in previous years this has been 6-8.
• Issues have been acknowledged regarding Chapel Street and work will continue.

Questions and Comments

Q: Lucy
The trend has increased over the last 2 years but the stock of housing has reduced. How does this work?

A: Christine
We have increased the number of private landlords and build the cost of the deposit and 1st month’s rent into the allowance.
Colm
The Action Plan is in draft form at the moment. The Corporate Parenting Group has been established as result of feedback from the workshop in June and will link into the Care Council. The Accommodation Group will be one of the sub-groups of the Corporate Parenting Group.
Lucy
There is an issue regarding care leavers attending university and the accommodation available when they return.
Andrew
The same issue applies to Children with Disabilities returning from university. Confidence and independence is gained from their time away from home and it appears as a step back when they have to then live with their parents.

Report Card 2 of 4 – Lead: Christine Gerrard

NI 148 and C&YP Plan priority EW1: % of former care leavers aged 19 who were looked after on the 1st April in the 17th year who were in EET. (08/09 target 79%)

• Christine explained that these figures are based on young people who are 19 now but who were in EET when they were 17.
• This shows significant improvement:
  
  • 2004-2005 - 43%
  • 2005-2006 – 53%
  • 2006-2007 – 76%
  • 2007-2008 – 89%
• The national average for 2007-2008 is 76% and the neighbouring authorities’ average is 75%.
• It is difficult to track them after 17 as it is not a government requirement to report on figures for 18 & 19 year olds. This is an issue and many go into low paid jobs or are in receipt of benefits.
• Relationships between the Leaving Care Team and training providers have been strengthened.
• Plans are in place to extend the time allowed to stay in foster care for an extra year. This will lead to an extra year of training and/or education.
• The EET Care Leavers Sub-group has been established as a sub-group of the Corporate Parenting Group – first meeting to take place on 5th December.

Questions and Comments

Sheila
Reported on August 2008 figures for 16-19 year olds:

• EET – 72.1%
• NEET – 24%
• Unknown – 5%

The September national measure for 19 year old care leavers showed 18 care leavers in Tameside with 13 not in education, employment or training = 72%
Caroline
As part of the Commissioning Strategy, there will be an Enhanced Housing Option Service which will include extra support for young people in EET.
Christine
There is a City Centre Project for care leavers and children in need to attend a ‘Skills for Life’ training course.
Christine & Colm to look into this further.

Report Card 3 of 4

C&YP Plan priority EW1: Number of looked after children/care leavers accessing apprenticeship schemes

• Traineeships have been established for care leavers as many don’t have the necessary qualifications to apply for an apprenticeship. Apprenticeship – 3 years / Traineeship – 1 year
• The number of traineeships offered by the Council need to increase. The number of traineeships offered by the private sector since 2004 is 18, compared to 1 offered by the Council.
• A training allowance is offered to the young person in addition to their personal allowance.

Questions and Comments

Paul
Rathbone run a similar scheme to the Traineeships with Year 10 & 11 age group. It has proven to be successful.
Vicky
There is the possibility of an apprenticeship / traineeship placement within the childcare of the children’s centres. Christine and Vicky to discuss further.

Report Card 4 of 4

C&YP Plan priority EW1: Number of looked after children/care leavers accessing work experience placements in both the private and public sector

• The number of placements offered to the Teens to Work Scheme by the Council need to increase. It is concerning that since 2004, the private sector have offered 81 placements, whilst the Council have offered 17.
• Care Leavers and E2E in Tameside (there are currently 6 E2E providers in Tameside)
• Tameside College
  • Tracy reported on the E2E figures for Tameside College.
  • 2006-2007 – 2 young people stayed for the full duration of the course – 1 progressed into a modern apprenticeship and 1 enrolled onto an employment training course through YMCA.
  • 2007-2008 – 1 young person stayed for 22 weeks and then progressed to a modern apprenticeship.
• Rathbones
  • A poll recently took place regarding accommodation circumstances. Out of 40 learners attending on that particularly day:
    • 24 – secure family background
    • 5 – experience of care – short / long term
    • 4 – declined to answer
    • 7 – living independently
  • The interview / referral forms which are passed between Connexions and Rathbones need to include a section for data collection – Rathbones currently do not have a tracking system.
  • Young people are being encouraged to seek employment in Manchester city centre as well as Tameside.
  • There is an issue with young people who are in employment and also in supported accommodation. It is difficult for them to afford the accommodation as they don’t receive benefits if they are in employment.

Care Leavers and Prince’s Trust

• The Prince’s Trust is a personal development opportunity for young people.
• It is a 12-week residential course.
• It has proven particularly successful with care leavers.
• It encourages team building and boosts self-esteem and confidence.

8.3 Discussion and Judgement

• Report Card 1: That the data in this report card be considered heartening but the group notes underlying issues relating to the uneasy fit between accommodation systems and employment, education and training opportunities for this group. (Cross ref with report card 2).
• Report Card 2: That the data in this report card be considered heartening but the group notes underlying issues relating to the uneasy fit between accommodation systems and employment, education and training opportunities for this group. (Cross ref with report card 1)
• Report Card 2 and 4: That the data in this report card be considered troubling
  

8.4 Future Action

• That the accommodation and employment issues issue raised at the meeting be referred to the Corporate Parenting Group for further consideration

8.5 Future Dates and Themes

28 January 2009: Children and young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are helped to achieve economic well-being. A review of the remit and terms of reference for this group will be discussed at this meeting.

11 March 2009: Action is taken by partners to support families in maximising their economic well-being

13 May 2009: Community regeneration initiatives address the needs of children and young people

9. AOB

Pre-Budget Report
Alan highlighted the publication of the pre-budget report and that times will be difficult over the next 12 months, especially for young people at the bottom of the employment ladder.

It was suggested that ‘Changing Economy’ should be an agenda item for a future meeting.