Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 18^th April, 2005 were submitted. 

Ann Clegg, Acting Head of Inclusion Support Services, reported the Executive Group for Children & Young People’s Services had discussed a report about the education of children in public care, along with various other issues. 

The Executive Group had agreed that the minutes of the Education of Looked After Children be submitted to the Children’s Executive Group so that issues can be tracked and also to assist with the sharing of information between departments.

Resolved:-  (1) That the minutes of the meeting held on 18^th April, 2005 be received.

(2)  That the minutes of the Education of Looked After Children be submitted to the Cabinet Member for Liflelong Learning and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services Delegated Powers Meetings and also the Executive Group for Children and Young People’s Services.   

(3)  That a report on the impact of the work relating to Education of Looked After Children be submitted to the Children’s Executive Group at a later date.

- Katy Hawkins, Get Real Team Manager to report.

Katy Hawkins, Manager of the Get Real Team, gave an update on progress and reported on the following :- 

(1)  Staffing

The additional Learning Mentor Post has been advertised and if an appointment is made on Monday, 27^th June, 2005, the post holder should take up post by September, 2005.   The Learning Mentor will support the needs of pupils undertaking GCSE’s and ensure that every Looked After Child in Year 10 and Year 11 gets at least one mentoring session per term. This will be complimented by the Connexions PA who is due to undertake a Diploma in Careers Advice.   Both posts will ensure young people receive relevant and timely careers advice promoting entry to further and higher education.

A part time Administrative Assistant vacancy will be advertised in order to continue to provide the statistical information required by the Council, maintain the database and provide administrative support to the team.

(2)  Partnership with Schools

Dedicated Training has been offered to all schools in Rotherham once again; to date we have had 6 dates set up 5 in the Primary Sector and 1 to Whiston Grange. There has been no take up of the training opportunities by secondary schools. We will ensure that all schools are aware of the training available so that where appropriate it can be included in their annual CPD planning cycle.

To date we have had one meeting with the Head Teacher and Designated Teacher at Clifton ComprehensiveSchool, to explore issues such as communication and we are exploring ways in which we can improve partnership working. The Head Teacher is willing to support us in raising the issue of Children in Public Care at Secondary Heads meetings where appropriate.

(3)  Out of Authority Placements

Work had been undertaken to examine the number of out of authority placements of which there were 31, the breakdown being as follows:-  

Baseline data collection (statements, Annual Reviews, timetables, attendance, and nature of educational provision) was being undertaken for these placements.

Visits to judge the educational input were being undertaken by LEA staff, Case Officers and Educational Psychologists, where the child has a statement and an annual review.   Where the placement is a mainstream school, the data will be monitored around attendance and school timetable linking in with the Designated Teacher in School.   Attendance at some Statutory reviews where there are issues around educational provision will be undertaken by the Team Manager.

(4)  Work Placements

Work was still ongoing on improving the number of work placements within the Council.  There had been an offer of 4 placements within Social Services.  Unfortunately a training half day for potential mentors has had to be cancelled  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

- Monday 17^th October, 2005          9.30 am

- Monday 12^th December, 2005      9.30 am

- Monday 27^th February, 2006         9.30 am

- Monday 10^th April, 2006                9.30 am

It was noted that future meetings of this Group had been scheduled in the Council’s diary as follows:-

Monday 17^th October, 2005              9.30 am

Monday 12^th December, 2005          9.30 am

Monday 27^th February, 2006                        9.30 am

Monday, 10^th April, 2006                   9.30 am