Service and Organisational Support Already in Place

Outcomes of Table-Talk discussion on anti-bullying @ Children and Young People’s Framework Partnership Summer Conference

27 June 2007

Page
The Power of Partnership - multi-agency approaches to a key children and young people’s issue: Bullying / 02
Table Talk : Enjoyment and Participation SCoG / 05
Table Talk : Learn and Achievement SCoG / 07
Table Talk : Safe from Harm SCoG / 09
Table Talk : Healthy and Active SCoG / 11
CYP Vision Statement / 13
Communication ideas / 14

Please identify what you are already doing in your professional practices to prevent/ address bullying [policy and practice]

Service and organisational support already in place

Safeguarding in place in Health and Inspire Youth Programme
Hospital Youth Work project
Information board in hospital
Open access Info Shop in town centre; satellite in Community First areas
Young People have written anti-bullying policy within Youth Forum – includes sanctions – used personal experience
Careers Wales-various programmes in place – Youth Gateway, Go for It, One to One
Child Protection Service with clear support mechanisms in place
CAB parent/partnership

In [some] schools already

Bully Box (Ysgol Clywedog)
Nurse for those with learning disabilities based in St. Christopher’s
DarlandSchool - Information Outreach and Sexual Health Info dealing with relationship issues
A number of High schools have shared agency meeting structure in place
NSPCC counselling in schools
SAP learning coaches and assessors in schools
Mentoring – includes bullying issues
Developing “Buddying”
Bitesite theatre workshop activities in schools
Peer Education group
Circle Time and Babble Time

Other

PST, one per month, interesting session on bullying in school (what is PST?? Jan)

Anticipated or suggested approaches

Secondary Schools’ Youth Worker from September – funding should be secured
“Spy Programme” in operation in other areas – 6th formers protecting you – Youth Service wish to roll out
YP website after September
Proposed ‘Youth Parliament’
CAMHS looking to develop service for 5-11 year olds with conduct disorders- help families with bullying
Anticipated - Flying Start working with any home issues
Transport – reduce double-deckers, increase number of seats available for safety, and use CCTV

Concerns and suggestions

Zero Tolerance
Scrutiny of LA policies
Common definition of “bullying”
Need different ways to explain to those with disabilities
Teachers fear some of the bullying is done within the family and outside of schools
Looked After Children make complaints, but it seems to be accepted “that it happens to them”
Governors tend to minimise bullying outside of school

Please share and record any examples you have of working across agencies/teams to consolidate anti bullying approaches

Local Safeguarding Children Board available to schools, agencies and partner organisations
Involvement in anti-bullying events
Prevention group work in YOS/Youth Service – targeted approach, easier to manage
CMB involvement , good links with schools and communities
Local Authority CYP Service - multi-agency approach
CYP now joined up for better services
School-based nurses
School Councils visit each other
Free-standing nurseries, eg. Caia
Youth workers involved in Community First areas
Transition projects successful, but not in all schools due to lack of funding
YOS have CAMHS worker/PMH worker
Network of Youth Fora

In what ways could we further extend this collaborative process/practice? How do we get started?

Need one person to be responsible – currently many people involved, so no-one is responsible or accountable

Evaluate accessibility of services
Evaluation is essential and sharing best practices would be very good
Identify and disseminate good practice

AVOW volunteering opportunities for YP
Engage with YP to develop sanctions
Ask YP if earlier GSCE options would help to guide them better

Anti-bullying week for high profile
TAC development
Local Safeguarding Children Board inviting CYP Partnership to deliver presentation re: existing child protection policies in place

Further continuous professional development opportunities for other sectors

Evaluating practice is crucial. Please list any ideas or tried examples of evaluating collaborative working you have which we could use for anti bullying approaches.

There is a hospital Youth Service collaborative project which is being evaluated – model available?
IEPs to be linked?
Pupil support at Darland
Service Directory
Family Learning Pilot at Ysgol Heulfryn

Enjoyment and Participation SCoG:

Table Talk Questions

Are you happy that the proposed membership of the ScoG (pg. 27 of ToR doc) is representative of all key stakeholder groups? If you feel there are any organisations/ groups that could make a contribution which have been missed out, please note them in the space below.

Suggested additional representation

Should be evenly balanced – adults and young people
Elected Member representative
NYAS – is part their role (ie. participating)
Economic Development representative
Involvement of socially excluded CYP
YP from voluntary sector
Headteachers and primary teachers representative
Family Centre representative
Early Years, WASH
Head of Service (???)

Other comments re. membership

Need good robust lines of development in and out of SCoGs
Some people are required to attend too many SCoGs, could they meet that commitment?

Does the draft work programme for this SCoG reflect the key priorities which you feel we need to address together, and do you have a view on which, if any, you feel ought to be regarded as the most important of all? If you feel anything crucial has been overlooked, please provide brief information in the space below.

Add: Development of YP Parliament
Links to volunteering/participation opportunities (14-19 networks) – EPO3
When 14-19 network involved, include a rep
EPO3 - top priority
2.1, 2.2 standards missing on involvement
Evaluating contribution of YP and its effect
Prioritisation and timescales
Not much emphasis on lower age group
No evidence of Health involvement

How, How, How responses

Awareness-raising of Participation Standards /

YPs’ website accessible; info service

Use schools, local media etc, staff training

Interactive website with comment reviews

On-line petition

Improve approach to co-ordinating service delivery /

Implement TAC

Create service directory (include thresholds)

Multi-agency working/training, co-ordinators appointed

Use friendly terminology

Involve with all YP in appropriate range /

Involve professionals who have relationships with groups

Find out who is out there

Engage with YP - how do they want to be involved? /

Timing of meetings to match availability

Face to Face

Collective sharing of responsibility /

Existing structures plus primary schools and family centres

Communication Strategy re: Standards /

Map current provision

Communicate best practice

Agree boundaries /

Clear planning

What happens to information?

Set timescales

In their own location, they feel confident

Community engagement workers
School Councils
Sports Clubs,
Children’s University
Youth Groups

Contact with YP - what do they think is missing re. participation? /

Make it fun

Use appropriate methods

Ensure speaking to cross-section and target outsiders

Staff training

Inform YP of current opportunities to participate /

Publicity

CIB, events

Refocus services delivered by CBI (YP section)

Fundays, posters, schools, Info Shop, texts, e-mail cyber cafés

Consult CYP

Libraries, etc.

Learn and AchieveSCoG:

Table Talk Questions

Are you happy that the proposed membership of the SCoG is representative of all key stakeholder groups? If you feel there are any organisations/ groups that could make a contribution which have been missed out, please note them in the space below.

Add: Sally Rees, Carys Gwyn, young person? (or ensure someone well aware of needs)
CAMHS – Louise Carpenter?
Rep from Elected Members
WASH Primary Heads Federation
Primary/Secondary Schools reps
Pupil Referral Unit

Lack of consensus whether YP should be involved in meetings – should be aspired to but certainly in Task and Finish Groups

Does the draft work programme for this SCoG reflect the key priorities which you feel we need to address together, and do you have a view on which, if any, you feel ought to be regarded as the most important of all? If you feel anything crucial has been overlooked, please provide brief information in the space below.

Attainment of children in “corporate parenting”, small but significant group
Links: LSCB, Healthy and Active SCoG
Where emphasis on non-formal, Alternative Achievement Awards
For checking – Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership ( 0-8)

3. How can partners help to raise achievement of children and young people in Wrexham, especially the hard to reach?

Applies to all of them!
“..hard to reach..” new term please
Disability, Equality Scheme
Links:

14-19 Network
Transition Project
Youth Service
support workers
learning mentors
learning coaches
support for LA children

Treat families holistically

Do not want to concentrate so heavily on academics
Information sharing
If 50 YIP known by other agencies, could be better planned approach
*Good use of OCN/ASD? In Youth Service can be done in partnership with schools
Vocational qualifications seem to effective
Cash works for some on GCSE results!
Youth Service, CAMHS, Educational Support – collaboration on children who have lost school place
Alternatives to school eg. early college placements
TAC – better co-ordination of services
Flying Start, better preparation for school
These models to be extended to all children, early intervention vital

Anything else you’d like to share about this SCoG

Nothing stated

Safe from HarmSCoG:

Table Talk Questions

Are you happy that the proposed membership of the SCoG is representative of all key stakeholder groups? If you feel there are any organisations/ groups that could make a contribution which have been missed out, please note them in the space below.

Corrections:
NCH should read “third Sector”,
Linda Butler TRUST, not LHB, we have a “police force”, not an “authority”!
Janet Williams is National Public Health Service, not LHB

Careers Wales
Reconsider a member who has specific responsibilities to CYP

Young people
Dept. of Education Cultural and Welsh Language could be approached
Mix of strategic and operational eg. teachers
Alternative Education Officer

Do we need: G. Moore and D Dickenson, 2 fire reps., 2 YOS reps.

Does the draft work programme for this SCoG reflect the key priorities which you feel we need to address together, and do you have a view on which, if any, you feel ought to be regarded as the most important of all? If you feel anything crucial has been overlooked, please provide brief information in the space below.

Business plan for Local Safeguarding Children Board, is due for completion at the end of July
SCoG to provide update to Framework Partnership Board on tasks in the work programme
Concern about how this work is to be funded, due to current funding situation around this SCoG – does it truly reflect Partnership involvement and responsibilities?
We struggled to fully understand structure and function – after lunch fatigue?

Need strong links to bullying agenda
Transport issues should be “actual” strategy not “possible” plus school transport on agenda for two years
Need to ensure Task and Finish members adequately represent the work plan, as statutory members may lack knowledge
Young People’s involvement? (x2)

The Safe from Harm SCoG (LSCB Development Group) has to have a central focus on protecting children and young people from abuse and neglect.

How can it do this and, alongside, begin to develop broader safeguarding strategies, and the promotion of the welfare of children and young people in Wrexham?

Does work programme reflect what YP want in consultations (transport, housing etc)
Broaden by involving YP

Take advice from other 3 SCoGs
Safe From Harm is intrinsic to work of other three

Tiered approach to child protection, to assist different levels of intervention ie. TAC, Flying Start
SCoG should concentrate on how poverty impacts on physical and emotional well-being
The Framework Partnership should adopt “poverty” theme – it will not work as a SCoG – which can only be reactive at the moment
Concentrate on preventative schemes eg. healthy eating on a low budget etc.

Need robust reporting to other groups mechanism and over-arching information Sharing Policy for all SCoGs
Use SCoG as mechanism for approval for projects
Keep policies and procedures updated and refreshed in people’s minds
Monitor, but not over-monitor

Perception needs to be support not supervision
Ensure safety of leisure venues park, youth club
Educate and support children to make children safe
Use SMART tags
Further development of voluntary sector
Multi-agency training to develop greater awareness and understanding of broader Safeguarding Agenda
Via events like this and relationships with other SCoGs and promotion of services available

Anything else you’d like to share about this SCoG?

No information provided in response to this question

Healthy and ActiveSCoG:

Table Talk Key Questions

Are you happy that the proposed membership of the SCoG is representative of all key stakeholder groups? If you feel there are any organisations/ groups that could make a contribution which have been missed out, please note them in the space below.

Correction

Janet Williams not rep for voluntary sector – is Kathryn Uche

Young People reps
Sports Development Team or Active 8 2-16 rep
Cyfle Pupil Referral Unit
Early Years?
Economic Development – vital co-opt
Healthy Eating links through Health Alliance
Schools – WASH and Primary Heads Federation
Housing
Elected member
Links with Task and Finish groups where appropriate

Does the draft work programme for this SCoG reflect the key priorities which you feel we need to address together, and do you have a view on which, if any, you feel ought to be regarded as the most important of all? If you feel anything crucial has been overlooked, please provide brief information in the space below.

Need clearer relationship with Health Alliance and Community Safety Partners
Development of Healthy Lifestyles should be top priority
HA01/2/3/ priority for SCoG
Does development of submissions take account of all existing work?
Concerned possibility of fragmentation – 2 structures, all preventative issues, seem to sit with Health Alliance

3. Healthy and Active SCOG are asked to embrace an aspect of Wrexham Promise "Contribute to lifting children and young people out of family poverty".
How can this SCOG contribute to this area? Should elements of family poverty be ascribed to other SCOGs? How can the Framework best contribute to this agenda?

Wrexham Promise is a WCBC promise, not signed up by all other agencies
Define type of poverty economic poverty can prevent access to so many things
Cross-reference Family Support Subgroup work done previously (Claire Lee)
Clarification needed on “Child Protection” and “Children in Need”
Disability Equality Scheme input/ref
Other SCoGs should have elements of poverty “enhancement” ascribed to them
Careers Wales could share appropriate guidance
Potential for analysing deprivation indices in terms of supporting research
Training/support available within accessible boundaries re. transport
Opportunities for parallel training to support parents
All targets can contribute to this aspect of the “Promise”
Links to Safe From Harm SCoG, re. housing in order to address poverty
Links to Enjoyment & Participation agenda – TAC, Flying Start
Framework take strategic approach and ensure appropriate work plans, recording etc.

Anything else you’d like to share about this SCoG?

No information provided in response to this question

First stab at a Wrexham Partnership Vision Statement which reflects WAG’s 7 Core Aims:

To break down barriers and work together to identify, agree and achieve outcomes which will enable all children and young people in Wrexham to be:

Safe
Happy
Heard
Healthy
Active
Achieving
Fulfilled
Involved
Responsible
Life-long learners…

…and to help their families, schools, workers, volunteers and communities to support us and them in achieving this goal.

Please use the above as a starting point and feel free to pull it to bits!! Ideas in the space below please…

Enable them, their families, carers, schools, support staff, volunteers and communities to work together in achieving this goal

Provide safe learning environment, to realise potential and enjoy a healthy, fulfilled life

To be inspired to (rework initial listing:
Safe and happy
Heard and involved
Consulted
Respect and responsibility
To prosper

To work in partnership to ensure all children and YP are safe, healthy, fulfilled and are provided with opportunities to reach their full potential

Integrate citizenship and social responsibility
Competition to be aimed at all YP through website and schools

Table Talk…ideas on improving our communication mechanisms

Communication constantly comes up as something which organisations need to improve on. The Children and Young People’s Framework Partnership is a complex network of organisations and partners all with different ways of doing things, different cultures and different IT systems (which can make sharing information electronically problematic.)

We are working on a Partnership Website where information, documents and papers can be shared – this ought to help.

What frustrates you about the current ways we communicate with each other and what positive suggestions can you make to improve things (remember, communication is a two-way process!) Ideas in the box below please.

All organizations to be asked to identify common systems

Emails too easy to scan and miss something important
Voluntary sector established common reporting tool to report to wider sector
Emails labelled “for info” or “for action”
Web page – clear index required
Website your responsibility rather than report back
Identify who SCoG members are, are they the right people to attend, do they participate, are they feeding back - so it reaches front-line staff
A common Diary system available to all agencies for meetings/conferences to be scheduled
Summaries preferred to large documents
Use Linkup to update on KEY milestones re. progress, intranet site/interactive site which could be accessed by police, health organisations, local authority etc.
Develop Communication Strategy and appoint person to be responsible – not add on to someone’s workload (based on Framework Support Team)
Review of meetings needs to be undertaken – are they all necessary?
Useful meeting would be Jan, Gillian, Janet etc.