Contact: Roger Mead tel no. 01962 847291 email address: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

1. That the Executive Lead Member for Children's Services agree the following recommendations:

- From 1 April 2008 the delivery of services to support young people will be re-structured so that all will be delivered through the Children's Services Department, building on best practice in the County Council, SCCP and the voluntary sector.

- The County Council and SCCP work together to achieve a seamless transition to the new arrangements ensuring continuity in provision to young people which allows for services that respond to need in each district.

- In the interest of a seamless transition, steps are taken to ensure that appropriate vacancies within the Children Service's Department are advertised within the department and amongst eligible staff in SCCP, in the first instance.

- There is consultation and engagement with young people, 14-19 consortia, schools, colleges, work based learning providers, voluntary services, parents and carers and other partners over the coming months to help shape the new arrangements.

- The Director of Children's Services will personally lead a project to deliver these objectives as described in the report.

2 Reason

2.1 This decision will enable young people to take an active part in developing services that meet their needs and is so doing will be in support of the County Council's corporate priorities::

"Making Hampshire safer and more secure for all"

"Maximising well-being"

"Enhancing our quality of place"

2.2 The decision supports the outcomes of the Children Act. Young people will have increased access to flexible and diverse opportunities which will help them to make informed choices about their health; stay safe through an increased range of activities; enjoy and achieve through excellent integrated Information advice and guidance and make a positive contribution through their involvement in developing services and additional volunteering opportunities.

3 Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 An earlier report on 31^st May was rejected by the Executive Member who also considered and rejected proposals to contract an integrated service from an external agency. He requested that officers prepare a report moving to a wholly in house provision from 1 April 2008.

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1 None.

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee -

5.1 None.

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent -

6.1 The effective planning for the changes proposed in this report mean that a decision has to made at the current time to meet national expectations for the integrated services to young people from April 2008.

Approved by: Date:

........................................

Councillor David Kirk

Executive Lead Member for Children's Services (Education)