Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Asquith, Barber, Butterill and Saunders. Cllr Steven Edgar attended as a substitute.

Cllr Brian Puddicombe attended as a visiting member.

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 15 March 2022.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 15 March 2022 be agreed as a correct record.

To receive a verbal update on the Corporate Parenting Shadow Committee.

The committee received a verbal update on the work of the Shadow Committee.

The Cared for Children Survey closed last week and the team were in the process of collating the feedback and considering how best to respond in a meaningful way.

A number of mobile phone applications were being looked into for development as a mechanism for seeking feedback and engagement from young people.

A query was raised as to whether all Cared for Young People had access to IT to enable them to use the app and it was noted that, at an age appropriate level, IT equipment was provided. A concern was raised regarding safeguarding young people in using technology, particularly Internet access. Assurances were given that foster carers and residential staff were provided with training which included the supervision of Internet access at an age appropriate level. All IT equipment provided by the Council is age appropriately restricted.

A competition was due to be held over the summer to seek suggestions from young people for a new name for Corporate Parenting.

An annual celebration event for the Shadow Committee was due to be held in November and committee members were welcome to attend.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

To receive the Cared for Children and Care Leavers Strategy for 2022-26.

The committee received the report which set out the proposed new Cared for Children and Care Leavers Strategy 2022-26, previously known as the Corporate Parenting Strategy, for Cheshire East to improve outcomes for cared for children and care leavers.

A query was raised regarding figures on page 21 which referred to the 76 completed Care Leaver Surveys and it was requested that these figures be clarified for future reports to state that the percentages refer to those who responded, as opposed to all care leavers.

It was confirmed that there was a typographical error on page 48 which referred to ‘prisonisation’ and should be ‘prioritisation’.

The committee noted the positive impact of the Apprenticeship Coordinator and a request was made for this officer to attend a future meeting.

A concern was raised about endorsing the decision to change the name of the committee before all committee members had attended the Corporate Parenting training. It was therefore agreed that this recommendation would be voted on separately. Assurances were given that further training sessions would be scheduled as soon as possible for those who had been unable to attend, with the aim of all having attended by the next committee meeting in September.

RESOLVED:

Unanimously:

1.    That the Corporate Parenting Committee endorse the Cared for Children and Care Leavers Strategy 2022-26 which will progress to Children and Families Committee for approval on 11 July 2022.

2.    That the pledges in the strategy be taken to full Council on 19 October 2022, where members can pledge their commitments to Cared for Children and Care Leavers.

By majority:

3.    That the Corporate Parenting Committee endorse the decision to change the name of our Corporate Parenting Committee, further recommendations regarding the change of name will be brought to a future committee following consultation with children and young people.