Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the partnership progress against the action plan from the JTAI inspection.

The committee received the report which provided an update on the partnership progress against the action plan from the joint targeted area inspection (JTAI) of the multi-agency response to the criminal exploitation of children in Cheshire East.

A query was raised as to concerns young people may have about confidentiality when they access NHS services, particularly around whether their parents or carers may be informed. The committee were advised that the NHS has strong rules around confidentiality and follows Gillick competency guidelines but that the partnership would take this away to consider whether it is being communicated clearly to young people, for example through schools.

A further query was raised as to whether more education is needed, both for school pupils and the public, on recognising and understanding signs of exploitation. It was noted that the inspection had found the Safeguarding Children in Education team was particularly strong from a single agency perspective but that the improvement would come from a multi-agency approach and this would be the next step. Officers welcomed the feedback from committee and would take this away for further consideration.

A concern was raised about settings for excluded pupils and the impact this may have. Assurances were given that the majority of excluded pupils were supported through Oakfield Lodge or the Cornerstone Academy which had excellent facilities but that the Director of Education would be keen to hear if there were some exceptions and would pick this up following the meeting.

The Chair passed on the committee’s thanks for this work.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

That:

1.    The Children and Families Committee consider the Action Plan appended (appendix 1) to this report and scrutinise the progress to date against the JTAI recommendations.

2.    The committee agree to receive six-monthly reports on progress against this action plan.