Issue - meetings

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation in the Cabinet report.

Officers advised members of an administrative error in the report; the report covered 2024-2025 and not 2023-2024 as stated in the agenda pack. Additionally, officers advised members of a change to the recommendation in the draft cabinet report contained within the agenda pack. The Plan for the year 2024-2025 outlines the strategies and initiatives aimed at delivering youth justice services across Neath Port Talbot and provides a comprehensive overview of the performance from the previous year.

Members commented positively on the level of detail contained within the report and were pleased that additional funding had been sourced to fund the hairdressing provision. Members enquired if more detail could be provided, on work ongoing to reduce permanent exclusions, and whether statistics could be provided relating to young people within the service with links to a neurodiverse condition. Members acknowledged that work has been undertaken on the neurodiverse agenda but there is more work to do.

Officers advised members that the structure of the report was prescribed by the Youth Justice system. Funding has been secured, and the hairdressing provision can continue for another year, there will also be a provision for barbering. The Youth Management Board is actively working on reducing exclusions and engaging staff within schools to support at-risk pupils. The plan includes a speech and language pilot in two schools and an audit to provide early support to families.

The Director of Social Services, Health and Housing and Chair of the Management Board, shared concern over the number of excluded young people with links to the Youth Justice Service. A report will be taken to the next board meeting and a deep dive analysis of the children involved in exclusions and youth justice has been requested.

Members requested that this analysis is reported back to scrutiny. Members questioned whether managed moves had been considered within the data, it was noted that children have been moved between schools to prevent exclusions.

Officers confirmed that neither managed moves or children educated at home has been explored.

The Head of Children and Young People Services confirmed that data collection in this area is of concern; families have advised staff that they have felt pressure to educate children at home, work is ongoing with the Education Department in relation to this.

The Chair shared this concern and requested more work is undertaken in this area.

The Director advised the committee, that at their request, the scope of the work that has already been requested, could be extended to include those areas; this will be feedback to this committee and possibly also the Education Scrutiny Committee.

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendation in the Cabinet report.