Review of Teenage Pregnancy in Tameside - Executive Response
Post Scrutiny - Executive Response
In Respect of : A Review of Teenage Pregnancy in Tameside
Date : January 2006
Cabinet Deputy : Councillor P. Wilkinson and G. Cooney
| Recommendations | Executive Response | Officer Responsible | Action by (Date) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. That the attention of the Secretary of State for Health be drawn to the difficulties caused by the two year time lag in the official teenage pregnancy statistics which make is impossible to effectively measure the outcome of initiatives. | Unfortunately, there is no solution to this one. As a pregnancy lasts for 9 months and then the data needs to be collected for national and local areas, it is impossible for the data to be sent to LAs any sooner than it is. | N/A | N/A |
| 2. That the partnership ensures that it is confident that there are sufficient local information systems in place for recording conceptions and live births | All conception data is received via ONS and GONW. Live birth data is received quarterly via Tameside Acute Trust. | Michelle Farrell | Ongoing |
| 3. That additional emphasis be placed on the need to reduce teenage conceptions and that a clear message be sent to all partners with a role to play | Representation on the Teenage Pregnancy Partnership Board by all key agencies ensures that teenage pregnancy remains a high priority area of work for all key agencies. | Michelle Farrell | Ongoing |
| 4. That the partnership clarifies the hotspot areas based on recent data | The Teenage Pregnancy Partnership Board is aware of our hot spot areas and continually seeks to direct services to these areas. This is clearly reflected in our action plan. | Michelle Farrell | Ongoing |
| 5. That the Looked After Children Team shares good practice with others working with parents, carers and young people. | The Teenage Pregnancy Partnership Board welcomes the sharing of good practice throughout the TP Strategy. The LAC team will be invited to the next TPPB to share their good practice. | Michelle Farrell | May 2006 |
| 6. That the Youth Offending Team considers prioritising sexual health and relationship education, or at the very least ensure that the Team has a Sex and Relationship Education policy in place, make further use of the Balls Project and make provision for female young offenders | Progress with the YOT has been slow to start however stringent plans are now in place to ensure young offenders have access to SRE. This work will be led by our SRE Advisory teacher. | Michelle Farrell | December 2006 |
| 7. That the Youth Offending Team records data about the number of young offenders who are parents to enable better targeting of resources for both prevention initiatives and parenting support | Support to teenage parents is a key strand of the TP Strategy. Recommendations from the home office report on young fathers, who are young offenders, will be incorporated into service development. | Tina Wills | December 2006 |
| 8. That the Pupils Referral Units receive targeted support to help them achieve the Healthy Schools Standards. | All PRUs, from April 06, will receive additional support from the SRE Advisory Teacher in order to achieve the Healthy Schools Standard. | Malcolm Knight | April 2006 |
| 9. That the Balls Project continues to access target groups and be supported in negotiating access to these groups | The Balls Project will receive further funding until 2008. During this time a thorough review of the project will take place to look at the feasibility of mainstreaming this project. | Sue Nathan | September 2006 |
| 10. That a compendium of good practice taking place across Tameside with young people be compiled as a resource for all those working with young people so that it can be duplicated or adapted in other environments. | Areas of good practice are shared at both a board and local task group level. It would appear that this is sufficient enough at this time. | Michelle Farrell | Ongoing |
| 11. Ensure that the influence of alcohol and peer pressure are included as part of sex and relationship education where appropriate and continue to share best practice in this area. | The SRE advisory teacher works closely with the advisory teacher for drugs/ alcohol. This partnership is reflected in the delivery of PSHE, which incorporates learning and address the implications of drug/ alcohol misuse and pregnancy. | Gwynneth Johnson | Ongoing |
| 12. Include coping strategies in sex and relationship education lessons to equip young people with the ability to handle peer pressure and avoid alcohol misuse | All Sex and Relationship Education teaching involves discussions with young people around peer pressure. Peer Educators have recently been trained to go into schools to talk about peer pressure in relation to sex, alcohol misuse and teenage pregnancy. | Gwynneth Johnson | Ongoing |
| 13. That alcohol awareness initiatives are programmed and co-ordinated to provide the best coverage to young people and that learning is recorded and disseminated. | All work in schools on alcohol related issues is co-ordinated via the advisory teacher for drugs and alcohol. The TPPB recognise that at times, isolated pieces of work have been undertaken, however stringent co-ordination procedures are now in place to ensure a co-ordinated response. | Gwynneth Johnson | April 2006 |
| 14. That the Young People Friendly Clinics are extensively promoted to all young people as a safe and comfortable environment to access contraception and advice about sexual health and relationships. | A media campaign is planned for June '06 to further promote the young peoples clinics, the Emergency Contraception Pharmacy Scheme, termination services and two new Young People's Clinics. | Michelle Farrell | June 2006 |
| 15. That the particular issue of gender inequality in relations to carrying condoms be addressed in order to ensure that young people are able to take equal responsibility. | All SRE lessons address issues of gender and peer pressure. Discussions around gender equality are encouraged in order for young people to develop a clearer understanding on this area of work. | Gwynneth Johnson | Ongoing |
| 16. That the possibility of making condoms available in schools be considered. | As Extended Schools are developing provision for an on-site sexual health provision will be explored further and decisions made as to the appropriateness of this provision in our hot spot areas. | Melanie Sirotkin | June 2006 |
| 17. That those promoting the impact of early parenthood ensure that they tackle any negative stereotypes of young parents, especially young mothers. | The TPPB strongly support the YWCA Respect campaign, which seeks to raise awareness of the negative stereotypes of young parents. Positive images of teenage parenthood are displayed and promoted throughout youth projects and other relevant agencies. | Sheila Piazza | |
| 18. That schools should be encouraged to welcome the young parents soon to be peer educators to ensure that young people meet and learn from young parents. | Good working relationships are being developed in our 'hot spot' schools to ensure a welcoming environment for our teenage parents as peer educators. | Gwynneth Johnson | May 2006 |
| 19. That the consultation carried out by the Scrutiny Panel with parents on the Citizen 2000 Panel be followed up by focus groups with those parents who responded in an attempt to further explore the current and potential role of parents in helping to present teenage pregnancy. | See point 20. | Gwynneth Johnson | Ongoing |
| 20. That those resources indicated by parents to be of use to them in talking to their children about sensitive issues be considered for implementation. | The Speakeasy Programme, which seeks to equip parents to talk to this children about sex and relationships has been rolled out across the Sure Start areas and positively received by parents. Since the completion of the scrutiny report, 17 parents have been trained. | Gwynneth Johnson | Ongoing |
| 21. That a visible campaign to encourage parents to communicate with their children about sex and relationships be considered in an effort to create a more open culture in which young people feel able to talk about sex and relationship issues. | See point 20 | Gwynneth Johnson | Ongoing |
| 22. Tameside Council should not reduce current levels of funding to tackle teenage pregnancy after the ring-fenced funding ends in 2006. | The Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership recognise the importance of the TP Strategy and are committed to its implementation beyond 2006. | Cheryl Eastwood | Ongoing |
| 23. That an internal ring-fence should be placed on funds in support reducing teenage pregnancy and supporting teenage parents. | GONW have confirmed the TP funds will continue to be ring fenced until 2008. During this time, the TPPB will continue to support the mainstreaming of TP provision as appropriate. | Cheryl Eastwood | N/A |
| 24. Partners should continue to look for opportunities to mainstream activity in to service delivery. | The TPPB recognises the importance of mainstreaming good practice and activities. The board continually seek opportunities to mainstream appropriate services. | Cheryl Eastwood | Ongoing |
| 25. The Panel recognises that Sex and Relationship Education in school is not statutory but that schools should be strongly encouraged to make adequate provision for SRE in the curriculum and seek the support available to them. | To date, 16 Secondary schools teachers have completed their PSHE Certification. This demonstrates a strong commitment with our schools to deliver effective SRE. This year, a further 4 will complete their accreditation. | Gwynneth Johnson | March 2007 |
| 26. That all schools, Pupils Referral Units, and the Youth Offending Team should be strongly encouraged to adopt this framework as soon as possible if they have not already done so. | Additional support, in light of the scrutiny report recommendations, will be made available to all key staff in those agencies with responsibility for delivering SRE. | Gwynneth Johnson | March 2006 |
| 27. That the Sex and Relationship Policies already produced using this new framework should be circulated via the Personal Social and Health Education Network to schools which have yet to formulate a policy to share good practice | This is on going within our schools and other relevant agencies. | Gwynneth Johnson | March 2007 |
| 28. That the good practice found at All Saints Roman Catholic High School in making parents aware of Sex and Relationship Education being delivered at the School be disseminated via the Personal Social and Health Education Network and schools strongly encouraged to pilot sessions as a way of building better partnerships with schools. | See point 20. | Gwynneth Johnson | September 2006 |
| 29. That the Personal Social and Health Education Network take an active role in sharing, developing and implementing strategies for effectively involving parents in developing schools' Sex and Relationship policies and communicating with parents. | Involving parents in the delivery of SRE is a key strand of the strategy. As well as the Speakeasy Programme (point 20) parents are also encouraged to attend 'Mums and Daughters' and 'Dads and Lads' information and discussion groups. | Michelle Farrell | September 2006 |
| 30. That the proposal to introduce a link governor for Sex and Relationship Education be supported. | This proposal is supported by the TPPB and discussions are underway with relevant personnel. | Michelle Farrell | September 2006 |
| 31. That the proposed link governor should have specific responsibility for ensuring governor input in to the Sex and Relationship Education policy and be a champion for Sex and Relationship Education in the school. | See point 30. | Michelle Farrell | September 2006 |
| 32. That governors be strongly recommended to attend the training session provided in order to improve their knowledge of young people's sex and relationship issues, of the importance of Sex and Relationship Education, and models of delivery. | See point 30. | Michelle Farrell | September 2006 |
| 33. That all schools with greater than 20% free school meal eligibility achieve the Healthy Schools Scheme as soon as possible. | To date ... % of our schools have achieved the healthy school standard. | Gwynneth Johnson | Ongoing |
| 34. That schools with greater than 20% free school meals achieve the Healthy Schools Standard as soon as possible. | As above | Gwynneth Johnson | Ongoing |
| 35. That schools which have already achieved the Healthy Schools Standards be encouraged to actively share their learning, policies and procedures, particularly with those schools yet to achieve the Standard, via Personal Social and Health Education Network. | Healthy schools network meetings take place in a termly basis and allow for shared learning and identification of good practice. | Gwynneth Johnson | Ongoing |
| 36. That, following the value for money review, should the Partnership decide not to continue to fund the accredited course for Personal Social and Health Education teachers, mechanisms should be put in place to ensure that schools have adequate access to specialist teaching support, and that the skills of teachers completing the course could be used to the benefit of other schools. | The TPPB no longer have access to the funds for PSHE accreditation. This is now managed from a central pot at GONW. However, the TPPB would strongly support the continued programme of work around PSHE accreditation. Plans to share learning across the borough are being put in place to ensure all schools have access to a 'specialist' PSHE teacher. | Gwynneth Johnson | March 2008 |
| 37. As a means of achieving best value, sharing costs and overcoming limited resources in the specialist teaching field of Sex and Relationship Education, in order to provide better co-ordinated consistent and programmed provision in schools and the more effective engagement of governors and parents, schools and the LEA should investigate this resource being procured by clusters of schools. | Stockport MBC have already produced a resource which is very similar to what we would want in Tameside. Plans to purchase a number of copies for circulation and feedback in order to modify to meet local needs. |
Gwynneth Johnson | March 2006 |
| 38. That schools be strongly encouraged to access the support and resources available from the Advisory Teacher for Sex and Relationship Education. | All schools have been contacted and services offered regarding advice, training of staff, governors and delivery of some lessons in partnership with the class teacher. Resources are available for schools to loan before they purchase their own. | Gwynneth Johnson | Ongoing |
| 39. That schools be strongly encouraged to attend the Network and to use the Network to actively promote, share, and develop good practice. | Separate PSHE networks for primary and secondary, information given out, new resources shown, opportunity to share good practice, visiting speakers who may offer their services to schools for PSHE lessons. | Gwynneth Johnson | July 2006 |
| 40. That opportunities for discussion, in both same sex and mixed sex classes, should be promoted as good practice in delivering Sex and Relationship Education. | Schools decide whether same sex or mixed classes, usually for puberty lessons they are same sex as boys and girls are more likely to ask questions plus more detail for girls re use of sanitary wear. In the high schools - usually mixed classes but there will be some same sex, depends on the content of the lesson. | Gwynneth Johnson | Ongoing |
| 41. That young people are given the opportunity to take a more active role in determining what is to be covered in the limited time available for Sex and Relationship Education in schools. | Through the school councils young people are given more of an opportunity to discuss content of lessons, also through evaluation of lessons YP are given the opportunity to say what they have learnt so far and what the content of the next lessons should include. (this does not happen in all schools, but in an increasing number as consultation is embedded in good practice.) | Gwynneth Johnson | September 2006 |
| 42. That all schools should ensure Sex and Relationship Education provision relating to respect and relationships commences in the first year of secondary school and continues throughout a pupil's school career. | All schools are encouraged to include respect and relationships education in PSHE lessons following on from valuable primary work in this area. | Gwynneth Johnson | Ongoing |
| 43. That practitioners continue to promote the message to delay first sex and that this is supported by the reasons why this is beneficial and strategies for its achievement. | Teachers and visitors to schools are strongly encouraged to give a clear message to young people regarding delay of first sex and the reasons for this - needing to be emotionally as well as physically mature before first sex, unplanned early pregnancy, the spread of STIs. Confidence building, building self esteem, the skills needed to just say 'no'. | Gwynneth Johnson | Ongoing |
| 44. That, when the Primary Care Trust has developed a marketing strategy it should be launched with maximum publicity and in the meantime the information about current provision should be made available at every opportunity, to young people directly and to service and agencies working with young people. | See point 14 | Michelle Farrell | June 2006 |
| 45. That funding for the Balls Project be secured on a permanent basis and the service extended to include a similar project for girls. | See point 9 | Sue Nathan | September 2006 |
| 46. That all schools be encouraged to invite the Balls Project to deliver the service to their pupils at least once, preferably prior to Year 10 so that teachers can build on these messages for the remaining schools years | Currently the Balls programme of work is targeted in our 'hot spot' take up schools and not across the board. This will continue until we are able to see a reduction in conceptions in these wards. Close links to the SRE advisory teacher will ensure the messages given in Year 10 are visited in Years 8 and 9. | Gwynneth Johnson | March 2006 |
| 47. That innovative events aimed at providing information and delivering positive messages continue to receive funding. | The TPPB is keen to continue to deliver positive messages to YP via a variety of mediums. E.g. Website, text messaging service, posters, radio etc. | Michelle Farrell | Ongoing |
| 48. That the possibility of recruiting and training peer educators to work with young people in Tameside be considered. | See point 12. | ||
| 49. That Connexions takes steps to ensure that all young people are aware that they can access sexual health and relationship advice services through their Personal Advisor. | Almost all Connexions PAs are aware of how and when to signpost YP to appropriate services. Some concerns staff have already received training on basic SRE. Others will follow over the next year. | Sheila Piazza | March 2007 |
| 50. That schools continue to be encouraged to support expectant mothers to continue their school careers. | In January 2006 all Headteachers and Chairs of Governors of Tameside schools were sent copies of the Services for Children and Young People policy on "Access to Education for Children and Young People with Medical Conditions (including pregnancy)." This reiterates DfES guidance and good practice on supporting expectant / young mothers in school. An exemplar policy for schools was included as well as a full explanation of the support available from the Teenage Pregnancy Re-integration Officer and the Bridgeway PRU. | Malcolm Knight | Ongoing |
| 51. That schools should also continue to support expectant fathers to encourage and enable them to meet their responsibilities and parenting needs if necessary. | The Teenage Pregnancy Re-integration Officer is working with all the relevant agencies, including schools, to fully involve, where possible, the expectant fathers. She includes them in the support she offers and some have taken full advantage of the guidance and help offered. | Malcolm Knight | Ongoing |
| 52. That consideration be given to the feasibility of making on-site crèche facilities available in the Bridgeway Pupil Referral Units. | The Teacher in Charge and Co-ordinator of the service are undertaking a review of the use of the Bridgeway building. There are major demands being made on this building and the unit is currently not able to meet all those demands as it is currently configured and staffed. The possibility of including a crèche will be included in this review. | Malcolm Knight | Ongoing |
| 53. The Scrutiny Panel worked closely with the Young Parents Group and recognises the contribution it makes to helping develop confidence and achieve qualifications. The feedback from the young women attending the group was very positive and supportive. There is a clear demand and waiting list for the group but resources are limited and funding only approved on an annual basis. | Plans to work more closely with Children's Centres in supporting young parents are in place as from April 2006. Children's Centres will provide a local resource to support teenage parents, including young fathers, building all the learning outcomes from the young parents groups. | Geraldine Smith | April 2006 |
| 54. That the excellent work of the Tameside Young Parents Group be recognised and that adequate funding continue to be made available. | Funding for the young parents group will continue until 2008, by then Children's Centres will be in a positive position to offer support to young parents. | Sheila Piazza | Ongoing |
| 55. The provision for young parents in their own supported accommodation appears to have been successful and should be encouraged. | Tameside Housing Strategy team will continue to support the floating support scheme currently being led by West Pennine Housing Association. | John Hughes | March 2007 |
| 56. That the Young Parents' Group maintains links with previous members of the group in order to offer peer support to new members of the group. | Members of the young parents group will be invited to share their experiences with Children's Centres in order for the Children's Centres to effectively deliver appropriate support to young parents. Members of the young parents group will be encouraged to provide peer support for new members of such groups. | Geraldine Smith | September 2006 |
| 57. The provision of a mother and baby unit in Tameside would help young mothers who are unable to continue living in the family home or are not as yet equipped to cope with their own accommodation. | As of yet, no funding or provision is available. However, as a result of the lack of such a provision the Housing Support Scheme in Tameside, works exceptionally well and will continue to be supported by Supporting People and West Pennine Housing Association. | John Hughes | Ongoing |
| 58. That consideration is given as to whether the take-up of Care to Learn is inhibited by the capacity of the young parents group to be able to meet the demand for places. | Take up of Care to Learn in Tameside is very good in comparison to our statistical neighbours. Clearly the demand for places is high for the young parents group. However, this will be addressed via support for teenage parents through local Children's Centres | Sheila Piazza | Ongoing |
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