Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families presented the report of the Director: Education and Skills.

The Council had 457 Children in Care (as of 13 September 2022). Through engagement with Children in Care and Care Leavers, a new ‘Promise’ had been developed, with the priorities including respect and value, hearing your voice, developing independence and being safe and healthy.  This promise was at the heart of the new strategy.

For each identified priority, key actions had been identified and every three months the ‘Young Persons’ Panel’ would meet to make sure that the conversation continued. The report highlighted the achievements of the young people, for example, for GCSE results, the children had received grades six times higher than the average.

Cabinet Members welcomed the report and noted their pride in the children’s achievements. It was vital that the children were at the heart of the policy and that the report reflected the voices and wishes of the young people.

In response to a question from the Representative for the Conservative Party, the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families advised that it was difficult with the small cohorts involved to put in place numerical or percentage targets, however, this would be closely looked at to ensure that targets could be monitored effectively.

RESOLVED that:

a)    The Corporate Parenting Strategy 2022-23 attached as Appendix A of the report be approved in line with statutory expectations;

b)   The following be noted:

i.        The role of Telford & Wrekin Council and partners to advocate on behalf of Children in Care

ii.      The voice of Children in Care at the heart of our work as Corporate Parents

iii.    The high aspirations for Children in Care set out in the strategy, with a focus on positive outcomes.