Agenda item

Students representing the Equalities Council will attend the meeting and make a presentation to the Scrutiny Committee.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to note the presentation.

Officer contact: Charlotte Brocklehurst, Student Enrichment Lead (Trafford & Stockport College Group) on 0161 952 4653 or email at charlotte.brocklehurst@tscg.ac.uk

Members of the Student Equalities Council comprising students from Stockport College, Cheadle College and Marple Sixth Form College attended the meeting and provided a presentation to the Scrutiny Committee in relation to breaking down barriers for young people in Stockport, living independently and neuro-diversity and disabilities.

Members of the Equalities Council highlighted a number of issues and concerns associated with each of the chosen topics and provided possible solutions and actions.

Breaking Down Barriers to Opportunities for Young People in Stockport

·       social barriers prevent individuals from achieving optimal mental health and feeling safe within their communities and could include mental health, stigma, discrimination & social exclusion;

·       psychological barriers could include negative attitudes, fear and beliefs and lead to anxiety and stress and not seeking help or support;

·       young people suffering with low self-esteem dealing with negative self-prescriptions, social media and leading to feelings of worthlessness and suicide attempts;

·       Solutions could include raising awareness among young people about mental health together with campaigns with families and the older generations; and

·       Public awareness campaigns could involve social media and online platforms with community events using available resources that should be accessible to all.

Living Independently

·       Experiencing difficulties with housing accommodation due to cost of living and rising house prices and lack of opportunities;

·       Cost of living has had such an impact on young people including rising energy bills, single grocery shops being more expensive and unemployment;

·       Many young people are held back by the weight of financial stress and trying to make ends meet;

·       Stockport Council has the power to change the narrative by offering fair wages and supporting young people into work and housing accommodation; and

·       Entry level jobs, should become a real stepping stone to a bright future for the young people.

Neuro-diversity, Autism, ADHD & Physical Disabilities

·       Struggling with disabilities meant not being given additional support and not being able to achieve full potential;

·       Only 30% of SEND children only achieve grade 4 in maths and English;

·       School attendance can also decrease due to being anxious and physically unwell;

·       CAMHS and social services suggested that an EHCP be pursued, but the school refused;

·       Schools need to listen to the students and parents to provide opportunities for SEND children as this is important for children who struggle with their studies due to a diagnosis;

·       Schools also find it difficult to understand how it works with disabled children and this results in students not achieving their full potential;

·       SEND teams need to listen to the students and parents and support them based upon on their needs and what the child wants to achieve;

·       Under normal circumstances children with SEND only get support if they are falling behind, but it should be changed and support should be provided from the outset;

·       There should be more training for teachers to recognise the early signs that affects children’s learning;

·       EHCPs are not always the answer, but support can be provided to children who need it and for those who don’t have a diagnosis;

·       Teachers should improve their communication with each other, but also with the child and parents; and

·       Improving and increasing transparency in lessons could improve support for SEND children through educating and understand the needs of the child.

The following comments were made/issues raised: -

·       Members welcomed and congratulated the young people for their individual presentations relating to their experiences and personal lives.

·       It was noted how much of an impact Covid had on this generation of young people including isolation, social media and the lack of support.

·       It was highlighted that young people, adults, teachers and parents should be understood, supported, communicated with, made aware and become adaptable to the issues and concerns raised today.

·       It was commented that the older generation could be made aware through awareness campaigns through libraries and charity shops with posters and leaflets promoting the understanding of what young people are going through.

·       Safe spaces should also be created for young people to feel free to speak up and share experiences both positively and negatively.

·       More wider subjects areas should also be offered in schools to support young people with job opportunities, management of money, understanding life and experiences to help them prepare better for life after school.

·       Young people are resilient and get through things with other support networks involving young people and professionals.

·       It was noted that teacher training needed to be improved and involve more support, help and guidance for young people involving those with SEND.

The Chair on behalf of the Committee thanked the representatives of the Student Equalities Council for highlighting their concerns and also providing possible solutions and actions to be considered.

RESOLVED – (1) That the members of the Students Equalities Council be thanked for their attendance and presentation.

(2) That the Director of Education, Works and Skills be requested to look into the issues and concerns raised together with the proposed solutions to improve the opportunities for young people in Stockport.