Agenda item

The Chairperson of the Improving Lives Select Commission welcomed Bev Pepperdine, Service Improvement Officer, Commissioning, Policy and Performance, Resources Directorate, to the meeting to provide an overview of the results of the 2012 Lifestyle Survey for Secondary Schools.  The Lifestyle Survey was undertaken by eight secondary schools, who contributed on a voluntary basis.  The questions were answered by Years 7 and 10 pupils, and related to healthy eating, drinking, smoking, drugs, bullying and general lifestyle. 

The submitted report outlined the outcomes of the 2012 survey. 

·         There had been a drop in numbers undertaking the survey in 2012, from the previous year (1,434 compared to 1,882 in 2011).  The decline had been attributed to schools not timetabling sessions to complete the survey.  Communication would be improved during 2013 to ensure that schools were aware of the survey when they were setting their timetables / work programmes at the beginning of the school year;

·         The Rotherham Council website would be adapted so that the survey could be completed on-line;

·         The length of time that the survey could be completed would be extended from 3-4 weeks to 7 weeks during the summer term;

·         Following the close of the survey, the responses were collated and analysed, and borough-wide and school-specific statistics were made available;

·         Where appropriate, the outcomes were passed on to central teams, who would create action plans responding to the issues raised;

·         Stakeholders receiving copies of the borough-wide returns included, the Healthy Schools Team, Safer Neighbourhood Partnerships, Directorate Leadership Teams, Locality Teams, the School Nursing Service, the Integrated Youth Support Service, partner agencies (including Homestart, GROW and MIND), Family for Change Coordinators and Strategic Boards. 

Discussion ensued, and the following items were raised: -

·         There was a concerning drop in the numbers of pupils reporting that they wanted to attend University from Year 7 to Year 11 – why was this the case;

·         There was a concerning lack of young people who felt safe using public transport in the Rotherham Town Centre.  It was noted that this would form part of the Eleven Million Take Over meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board and the Rotherham Youth Cabinet meeting to be held on 7^th February, 2013;

·         Role of the Survey in informing service plans; did the Survey have a significant impact on service planning;

·         How School Governing Bodies were informed of the outcomes of the surveys;

·         Was the Survey designed in language that the Year 7 and 10 pupils could understand?;

·         Identification and support for young carers.

The Chairperson of the Select Committee thanked Bev for attending the meeting and for her informative presentation and contribution to the discussion.

Resolved: -  (1)  That the information shared be noted.

(2)   That the Improving Lives Select Commission recommend that the following be implemented to improve the Lifestyle Survey in 2013: -

·         Circulate outcomes to School Governing Bodies;

·         Ensure that the use of language in future surveys be tailored to young people;

·         That the results also be made available to the relevant Cabinet Members;

·         That young carers be supported to identify themselves and seek support and advice.