People Scrutiny Panel – 13 October 2015
PRESENT: – Councillor Marper in the Chair.
Councillors Allcock, L Foster, Glover and Godfrey.
Statutory Co-opted Members: Mrs P Whittaker (Parent Governor Representative), Mr W Egan (Church Representative).
The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.
318 DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – Mrs Whittaker declared a personal interest as a current foster carer.
319 PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK– There were no requests received.
320 PREPARING YOUNG PEOPLE FOR THE WORLD OF WORK – TheChairman welcomed Pete Thorpe, the council’s Assistant Director – Education, and Lesley Potts, the Head of Policy and Research, to the meeting. Lesley and Pete had been invited to update the panel on the council’s work with schools, colleges and others to prepare local children and young people for employment. Pete and Lesley explained the roles and responsibilities of the various partners, describing various methods of joint working to help to equip young people with the necessary skills, knowledge and experiences to succeed in the workplace. This was being driven by the Education and Economic Engagement Partnership, and a related Business Plan was circulated to the panel. Members engaged in a discussion, and officers responded to members’ questions.
Resolved – (a) That Pete Thorpe and Lesley Potts be thanked for their presentation and for responding to members’ questions, and (b) that the situation be noted.
321 CHILDHOOD LITERACY – The Chairman welcomed Sandra Simmons, Principal Officer Early Years and Professional Standards, and Julie Lane, Lead Officer 16 – 19, to the meeting. The Chairman explained that the officers had been invited to support Pete Thorpe for this item in order to provide the panel with an update on ongoing work to improve literacy across North Lincolnshire. Pete and his colleagues gave a comprehensive presentation covering all aspects of literacy, with a particular focus on childhood literacy. The Chairman then led a wide-ranging discussion, with officers answering members’ questions on a number of issues.
Resolved – (a) That Pete Thorpe, Sandra Simmons and Julie Lane be thanked for their presentation and for responding to members’ questions, and (b) that the situation be noted.
322 (1) ADDED ITEM – The Assistant Director – Education provided a report and oral update on the provision of free school meals in North Lincolnshire, in response to a request for an added item on the matter. This covered current policy and provision.
Resolved – That the situation be noted.
323 CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES (CAMHS) – The Chairman welcomed Caroline Briggs, Director of Commissioning of North Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group, to the meeting. Caroline gave a presentation on the local CAMHS Transformation Plan, describing national requirements, the development of the plan, and local priorities. Caroline responded to members’ questions on relevant issues.
Resolved – (a) That Caroline Briggs be thanked for her presentation and for responding to members’ questions, and (b) that the situation be noted.