Agenda item

The Chair opened the discussion on potential topics for the next review. It was noted that there was limited time available before the upcoming local elections and consideration should be given to this when choosing a topic to review. The current review had taken approximately 20 months, and there were only seven Committee meetings remaining before the local elections.

Members made a number of suggestions, including:

a)    Inclusivity

It was noted that this was a broad topic area and may be better suited to a later review when more time was available.

b)    Narrowing the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged young people in education standards

This had formed part of the Committee’s comments to the Cabinet Member in the recent Annual Education Standards 2023-24 report.

c)    Falling school rolls and changes in admission numbers

This could include looking at ways of supporting schools with falling rolls, particularly in the primary sector.

d)    NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training)

To look at current strategies in place for young people not in education, employment or training, and to learn from other places.

e)    Utilising spare capacity in schools

Linked to the decrease in school rolls, to examine how spare classrooms and spaces can be used to benefit schools and the wider community.

f)     Third party/ voluntary groups and opportunities in Hillingdon

To highlight the range of community-led groups (including scouts, guides, local football clubs, youth centres, churches, mosques, gurdwaras) and potential gaps in their offerings; to highlight areas of the borough where there were limited opportunities or issues of accessibility; to note the importance of promoting good practice and collaboration between organisations; to identify what role the Council plays in supporting such groups, including venues, safeguarding and insurance; to promote/ commend the volunteers who run these groups.

Members further suggested looking into the distribution of volunteers across the borough.

Members referred to the agenda item on the Youth Offer at the previous meeting which had acknowledged gaps in venues.

Members suggested a dictionary of groups with contact details. Officers responded that the care and support directory had gone live and was available on the intranet. This was for all services for children and young people aged 0-19 and up to 25 for those with specific needs or disabilities.

Members noted that a review of this topic would need to be narrowed down to ensure it could be completed in the preferred timeframe.

g)    Addressing the post-COVID mental health gap in schools

CAMHS waiting lists remained long and early intervention in schools was inconsistent. The scope of a review on this topic could be access to mental health mentors; school counselling capacity linked to CAMHS; resilience programmes; trauma support; and the impact of DfE funded activity. It was noted that some of this may fall under the remit of the Health & Social Care Select Committee.

h)    Digital Exclusion and Educational Disadvantage

Lots of young people lacked reliable access to technology or broadband, affecting homework, online safety and hybrid learning. To look at device distribution, safe digital spaces, parental digital literacy, and other external educational providers and how they can support young people. Members suggested that this may be more suitable as an information item, potentially over two meetings if split in two.

i)     Social care

Officers noted that, looking at previous review topics, there was a significant gap in social care topics outside of corporate parenting. There had been a lot of focus on youth & community and education. There were a range of social care services such as help & protection, the front door (some of which was covered under the previous review of the Stronger Families Hub), court services, and fostering services.

Members noted the importance of balancing officer capacity with the need to scrutinise services when considering a review topic.

The above topics would need to be investigated with relevant officers.

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

1. Noted the guidance on undertaking policy reviews in Appendix 1;

2. Sought to make use of the scorecard attached in Appendix 1 (Annex A) to assess any policy review topic ideas;

3. Developed a single or shortlist of potential topic ideas over the coming months or year for officers to scope further and report back to the Committee on feasibility; and

4. Delegated to the Democratic Services Officer, in conjunction with the Chair (and in consultation with the Opposition Lead) any further agreement on review topic selection as required.