Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director for Childrens Services.

The report outlines the policy priorities for 2018/19 were set out within the Council Plan, which was adopted at the Budget Council Meeting in February. This incorporates the shared outcomes from the Borough Plan alongside specific priorities of the Cabinet.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Thomas Plant on Tel: 0161 218 1358 or email: Thomas.plant@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Members for Children & Young People and Education submitted reports (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the draft 2018/2019 portfolio agreements which incorporated the shared outcomes from the Borough Plan alongside specific cabinet priorities.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         There would continue to be an emphasis on meeting the

needs of LAC and improving the support for and life chances of

Care Leavers.

·         The Greater Manchester Children’s Board held its first meeting in May with the remit to oversee the spending of the DfE grant of £7.4 million, along with receiving reports on other GM initiatives for children and young people.

·         The borough had experienced a sustained increase in the number and complexity of social care referrals in recent years.

·         The number of children and young people who have profound and complex Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) is also increasing.

·         The overarching priority for the Education Portfolio will be to

continue to ensure all children and young people have access to high quality education and training and are supported to fulfil their potential, with a particular focus on reducing inequalities and removing the barriers to educational attainment and skills for the most disadvantaged children, young people and adults.

·         Raising educational attainment across the Borough and making sure those children and young people at risk of under-achievement receive the additional support they need to attend and achieve at school.

·         The number of children and young people who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC Plan) also continues to increase at a faster rate than the population growth, with higher rates of SEN in more deprived areas.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.