Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee

The report details the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel of the Children and Families Scrutiny Committee in respect to ‘Children and Young People’s Participation’ and the proposed recommendations.

The Cabinet is recommended to consider the report and consider how it might respond to the report’s findings and recommendations.

Officer contact: Michelle Bellis on 07866 185866 or email: michelle.bellis@stockport.gov.uk

The Vice-Chair of the Children & Families Scrutiny Committee and Lead Councillor for the Review (Councillor Linda Holt) attended the meeting to present the final report of the Scrutiny Review Panel – ‘Children and Young People's Participation’ (copies of which had been circulated) and to answer questions from the Cabinet.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the breadth of engagement that was already in place with children and young people but acknowledged that there was further work to do.  It was further stated that the coronavirus pandemic had impacted some of the work that was planned to take place and that it was important that this activity resumed as soon as possible.

RESOLVED - (1) That the Director of Children's Services be requested to prepare a response to the “Children and Young People's Participation” Scrutiny Review and the recommendations contained therein for consideration by the Cabinet at a future meeting.

(2) That the gratitude of the Cabinet be recorded for the excellent work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel ‘Children and Young People's Participation’ and others involved in the Review.

To consider a report of the Strategic Head of Service & Monitoring Officer (Legal & Democratic Governance).

The report details the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel of the Children and Families Scrutiny Committee in respect to ‘Children and Young People’s Participation’ and the proposed recommendations.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to consider the information in the report and approve the recommendations.  

Officer contact: Michelle Bellis, michelle.bellis@stockport.gov.uk

The Lead Councillor, Councillor Linda Holt, submitted the final report (copies of which had been circulated) outlining the findings and recommendations of the Scrutiny Review Panel on Children and Young People's Participation.

The Scrutiny Review had been commissioned by this Scrutiny Committee and the Panel had considered a range of information from partners and key stakeholders including Stockport Family, the Children & Young People’s Participation Officer (Autism Ambassadors, Young Inspectors), Pure Insight (Care Leavers Forum), Stockport Signpost Young Carers, Four young people representing Stockport Youth Council and Two young people representing Stockport Action Youth Speakers.

The Committee welcomed the detailed report and thanked Councillor Holt and the other Scrutiny Review Panel Members and supporting officer team for their hard work and leadership.

It was commented that the Review Panel listened to the young people and would endeavour to provide feedback relating to the issues raised during the scrutiny review.

RESOLVED – That the draft Final Report be approved for submission to the Cabinet.