Archived decisions

Item 2

AT A MEETING of the YOUTH PANEL held at Brune Park Youth Centre at Brune Park Community School, Military Road, Gosport, Hampshire on Thursday 11 November 2004.

PRESENT :

Councillors : Mrs S.E. Allbright; Dr R.J. Ellis; Mrs P.G. Peskett.

Also in attendance: Mrs J. Lea; Mr A. Upson; Della Hamilton; Simon Newland.

90. CHAIRMAN

In the absence of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman it was resolved that Councillor Dr R.J. Ellis be appointed Chairman of the Panel for the meeting.
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COUNCILLOR DR R.J. ELLIS IN THE CHAIR
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91. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should, normally at the time of debate, declare their interest and having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed.

92. MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 June 2004 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Arising thereon:

Minute 81 - Minutes (Minute 74 - Youth Work Plan)

The County Education Officer confirmed that funding had been secured from the Government Office for the South East for the year 2004/05. He also advised that this project would now be called "Transforming Youth Work Performance Improvement Fund".

Minute 84 - Youth Service Annual Plan 2003/04

Following a question raised by a Member, the County Education Officer advised the Panel that the Early Years and Child Care Unit Annual Plan included a post to support the age group 10-13, however, an appointment to this post had not yet been made.


    Minute 87 - The Future of the Award Project

    The County Education Officer informed the Panel that a successful grant bid through Drugs Action Team had completed funding needed for the year.

93. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

There were no communications.

94. DEPUTATIONS

No deputations were received.

95. COUNTY YOUTH OFFICERS REPORT

The Panel considered a report of the County Education Officer (Item 5 in the Minute Book) summarising recent developments in the service and providing an update on current issues. He highlighted the increased number and range of projects for summer activities providing more opportunities for young people in the County. He detailed some of the building maintenance work occurring around the County. He also emphasised the successful transition from the Connexions contract to direct delivery of services by the South Central Connexions Partnership, a full report on which would be going to Education Policy Review Committee in December.

Following a question raised by a Member, the County Education Officer and the Youth Council representatives informed the Panel of the planned restructuring of the County Youth Council which would involve more geographic representation and the alternation of venue for each meeting. The hope was that this would engage more young people to attend the County Youth Council.

The Panel were advised by the County Education Officer that research was being undertaken to review further ways of formally rewarding young people for achievements and learning outside of school.

    RESOLVED:

    That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the Executive Member for Education that the current developments in the Hampshire County Youth Service be welcomed and noted.

96. QUALITY ASSURANCE

The Panel considered a report of the County Education Officer (Item 6 in the Minute Book) detailing the findings from the three elements of the Quality Assurance procedures. The County Education Officer emphasised the aspect of immediate feedback to youth workers on the day of visits to the projects, which was well received. He advised the Panel that while the Education Department were happy with a finding of 84% of projects being satisfactory or better, there still remained some room for improvement.

In reference to the staff survey, the County Education Officer advised the Panel that those few members of staff who had raised concerns had been encouraged to take up these points with managers in order to resolve issues. The most common response to the survey had been to suggest a reduction in bureaucracy and paperwork.

The County Education Officer highlighted the high result of 98% of users rating the project they attended as satisfactory or better. Key responses were to request more youth centres and more frequent opening hours. The Panel noted with satisfaction that the majority of young people surveyed were able to identify areas of learning at their youth project.

Following a Member question, the County Education Officer informed the Panel that samples were taken from youth projects in every district in the County.

    The Chairman extended his congratulations to all those in the Youth Service responsible for this successful report.

    RESOLVED:

    (i) That the positive elements of the Hampshire County Youth Service user survey, staff survey and internal inspection be welcomed, and action be taken by the County Education Officer to address the areas for improvement.

    (ii) That a revised quality assurance framework for the service be produced and implemented.

97. YOUTH SERVICE WORK IN THE GOSPORT DISTRICT

The Panel considered the report of the County Education Officer (Item 7 in the Minute Book) providing information about youth work in the Gosport District managed by the Hampshire County Youth Service. This included details of the key issues addressed by youth work in this area, current work being undertaken and planned developments for the future. The County Education Officer outlined the wide variety of projects for young people in the Gosport area. These ranged from groups for juniors (10-13 year olds) to support groups for young people at extreme risk of being permanently excluded from school.

The Panel heard from young people from the Gosport Area Youth Council about their past successes, their current projects and their future plans.

    RESOLVED

    That the current development of Youth Work in the Gosport District be welcomed and applauded.

98. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT GRANTS 2004/05

The Panel considered a report of the County Education Officer (Item 8 in the Minute Book) summarising Project Development Grant applications received since the last meeting and recommending to the Executive Member for Education allocations totalling £9,666.

A further application was tabled at the meeting requesting a grant of £3,000 making a final total of £12,666.

Members raised concerns regarding the nature of projects for which grants were being requested.

RESOLVED:

That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the Executive Member for Education that the Grant allocations as summarised below be approved subject to any additional conditions.

    Reference No

    Name

    Grant

         

    Y306

    Portsdown Scout & Guide Parent Association

    £4,000

         

    Y307

    Ringwood Youth Club

    (subject to the reduction of other grants received)

    £2,462

         

    Y308

    J's Youth Club

    £1,204

         

    Y311

    Kids Church

    £2,000

         
     

    St. Peter's Church, St. Mary Bourne

    £3,000

8pM151104