Cheshire’s Children & Young People’s Plan 2008-2011

Building a brighter future

Contents

Foreword 4 Section 3 ‘Integration and System Change’ Executive Summary 6 Workforce Development and Reform 61 Joined Up Responses and Processes including Introduction: Common Assessment and ContactPoint 63 The Children’s Trust – Voluntary Community and Faith Sector Development 64 Arrangements for Co-operation, Principles and Priorities 8 Children’s Centres, Schools and Extended Services 65 Cheshire is Changing 10 Developing a joint approach to Commissioning 66 Our Drivers for Change 12 Resources 15 Section 4 ‘Targets and Managing Performance’ Target setting and Performance Management/Reporting 67 Section 1 ‘Introducing our Children Young People and Families’ Acknowledgements Summary of Information about our Children and Young People’s Views and Needs 16 Section 5 ‘Appendices’ Appendix 1 The Cheshire Children and Young People’s Trust 68 Section 2 ‘Our Priorities for Action’ 24 Appendix 2 Mandatory Children’s Plan Requirements 70 Be Healthy 26 Appendix 3 Cheshire Index of Multiple Deprivation 72 Stay Safe 31 Appendix 4 Glossary 74 Enjoy and Achieve 39 Appendix 5 Cheshire Children’s LAA 75 Make a Positive Contribution 47 Achieve Economic Wellbeing 53

Further information For more copies of the Plan or information on any aspect of the contents please contact Rick Howell – 01244 973228 or [email protected] Foreword 156,000 children and young people are growing up in Cheshire, and as Chair of the Cheshire Children and Young People’s Trust (CCYPT) and the Director of Children’s Services, I am proud to introduce this new Plan for them.

Joan Feenan In developing this Plan, children and Our existing Children and Young our duty to stay focused on retaining Cheshire County Council young people of all ages have expressed People’s Plan originally spanned a and improving good services and Director of Children’s Services views on what is important to them three-year period until 2009. However, outcomes for our children and young now and in the future. For a great many the now fully established Cheshire people. Within this Plan the Trust has it is simple aspirations for good health, Children and Young People’s Trust saw set out to highlight the needs of our safety, happiness and a promising the development of a new Plan as an most disadvantaged and vulnerable future. Stopping bullying, safe places to important way of marking their children particularly those who are in play and having a real say in decision- commitments and affirming priorities. care or may be most at risk of poor making were also consistently outcomes. The Children’s Trust now comprises important. When we asked them what representatives of all those that have The changes in Local Government they wanted to see changed, the view significant commissioning and delivery do make this a transitional Plan, it the media presents of children and responsibilities for services in Cheshire. offers a blueprint for some of the big young people was high on their list – This Plan, more than any before it, can organisational and process changes, but they want a more positive and balanced say it is a statement of joint shared also seeks to sustain the momentum of representation of all the great things intentions with resonance for everyone change and improvement that has seen that they do. Additionally children, that works with or for children, young many of our children and young people young people and their parents have people and their families. achieving better outcomes and many of told us that they are often frustrated our services recognised nationally and about how organisations don’t work As Local Government in Cheshire regionally for their strong performance. together and that support, information goes through a major change further or advice was either difficult to get or significance is given to this Plan. This is a Plan that sets challenging came too late. We want to respond to On the 1st April 2009 the existing 7 local outcome and improvement targets for these views positively and our Plan Authorities in Cheshire will cease and the next 12 months and alongside that goes some way to addressing their two new Authorities for East and West a joint direction of travel for ‘all’ services concerns and challenges to us. Cheshire will be formed. The Trust has to children and young people for the been explicit that during such next 2-5 years. organisational and political change it is

4 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust The commitment: “We believe that all children and young people have the right to be healthy, happy, and safe; to be loved, valued and respected; and to have high aspirations for their future…” Executive Summary – Our vision and commitment We want Cheshire to be a great place for children, young people and their families to live and grow up in – this Plan sets out the collective contribution of the Cheshire Children and Young People’s Trust to achieving that and the commitment shown on page 5: Achieving our vision To achieve this vision, we need to For children that are ‘looked after’ A system will be put in place for the do things differently and this Plan the gap is most stark. next 12 months to make sure that sets out some of the things that we There is recognition in the Plan commitments are carried out and that intend to develop and change. that children and young people our work is having the intended There is not a single solution to need different responses at different impact; many of the targets in this improving outcomes. The actions stages in their lives but wherever Plan will also become parts of other covered are targeted at the different possible the aim has to be to get plans and the majority will need to needs and circumstances of help and support before problems be agreed with Government. children, young people and families; or risks become very established importantly they also focus on how Working together and complex. To date we have we organise our services. The combined spend of those that been quite rigid about how and are represented on the Trust is over Our information is telling us where people can access help: £850 million; this Plan should that while the majority of Cheshire’s this Plan takes a fresh look at where ensure that it is better and more children and young people are support and services are provided effectively spent. At a minimum the doing very well and have improving and proposes new ways of making combined resources of the Trust prospects, a significant number, services and processes simpler and members need to align significantly often living in the most nearer to home. There is particularly against the priorities that they have disadvantaged parts of Cheshire, a changing role for schools, to agreed will have the most impact on are not. Prospects for many of these become more at the centre of their improving outcomes. children and young people, while communities with more effective improving, are not increasing as fast links between them and other The table overleaf sets out the as those for their peers – therefore, children’s services, so that together principal priorities for Cheshire and in spite of improvements, the gap is they can engage parents and tackle those indicators that will form the widening between those with the the barriers to the learning, health basis for the 08/09 Local Area best and poorest outcomes. and happiness of every child. Agreement.

 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust Children’s Trust Priorities Summary

Outcome Area Be Healthy Stay Safe Enjoy and Achieve Make a positive Achieve Economic Management Contribution Wellbeing and Process Cross Cutting A) Improving attainment in children and families from low income backgrounds Focus B) Tackling the adverse impact of alcohol on poor outcomes for children and their families Outcome and Teenage pregnancy Reducing levels of Raising achievement Young people’s Full entitlement Workforce Development and sexual health neglect in targeted groups, involvement in to education and development schools and positive activities curriculum – targeting and reform communities and participation as vulnerable young influencers and people decision makers Stopping the rise in Tackling bullying Increasing all children Increasing pro Tackling worklessness Joined up childhood obesity and young people’s social behaviour: in families where there responses opportunities to ensuring children are children including participate in physical and young people processes e.g. and creative activities stay out of trouble CAF and outside school ContactPoint Good mental health Positive choices; Improve Opportunities Reducing Alcohol, Employers’ Voluntary and emotional children, young and Outcomes for Smoking and engagement and Community and wellbeing people and parents Children with Substance use/ support for 14-19 faith Sector stay safe and disabilities misuse developments Development manage risk better. Placement stability Improve Value-Added / Support homeless and Children’s for Looked After progress in all Key vulnerable young Centres and Children Stages people Extended Services Supporting children Excellent Information, Commissioning exposed to domestic Advice and Guidance development abuse Cheshire LAA 1) Obesity in primary school age children in Year 6 2) Young people’s participation in positive activities Targets 3) First time entrants to the Youth Justice System aged 10–17 4) Substance misuse by young people 5) 16 to 18 year olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) 6) Under 18 conception rate

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 7 Introduction This Cheshire Children and Young People’s Plan is presented on behalf of Cheshire’s Children and Young People’s Trust (CCYPT).

The Trust is a broad coalition of all 1. To have a tight focus around The Cheshire Children and those interested locally in the those things to which the Trust Young People’s Trust. wellbeing of children with the duty can add ‘collective and to cooperate to improve outcomes collaborative value’; Cheshire’s Children and Young ‘in action’. As shown in Appendix 1 People’s Trust is a partnership of 2. To concentrate efforts on Statutory and Voluntary agencies, it has representation from across vulnerable2 children and families the economy of Children’s Services operating under the leadership who are ‘at risk’ of poorer of the County Council to fulfil the incorporating schools, health, outcomes and life chances; police, fire and voluntary sector. Children’s Act 2004 ‘duty to Children’s Trusts should be, 3. To focus on communities (by place cooperate’ requirements. ‘visibly and demonstrably improving or type) that have higher concen­ The Trust sits beneath the outcomes and, as a result, the lives and trations of need and vulnerability; Cheshire LSP. prospects of children, young people, 4. To consider wherever possible The purpose of the CCYPT is parents and families in their local area.’1 prevention and early intervention to ensure the best possible as the basis for responding. The Plan summarises the priorities outcomes for all Cheshire children and intentions of the CCYPT Who is the Plan by and for? and young people by providing specifically for the next 12 months the necessary leadership and Cheshire’s Children and Young collaboration to enable this. proposing a direction of travel People’s Trust has led the for services for the next 2-5 years. The overall functions of the Trust development of this Plan and its are split between leadership, To maximise the contribution the Trust contents. Members are endorsing strategy and operations can make to deliver its vision they on behalf of their organisations the have based the development of this priorities, targets and actions within. Appendix 1 sets out the Plan and priorities around four Cheshire County Council is membership of the Trust and principles. responsible for the production of the Key responsibilities/functions. Plan on behalf of the Trust.

1Children’s Trusts: statutory guidance on inter-agency cooperation to improve well-being of children, young people and their families (DCSF 2008). 2The term ‘vulnerable’ is used here and elsewhere in the Plan as shorthand to describe those children and young people whose life chances and outcomes are jeopardised unless action is taken to increase their resilience and meet their needs For such children there are often combinations of risks linked to their health, safety, engagement in learning, parenting etc. Most children will not be ‘vulnerable’ throughout their whole childhoods, but will go through periods of vulnerability for example children from poorer socio-economic groups, in care, with disabilities, at risk from significant harm, living with ‘vulnerable’ adults and who are asylum seekers/refugees.

8 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust The Plan is aimed at anyone that The Plan has 5 main sections: Section 5 ‘Appendices’ are all Mandatory requirements has an interest in children and young the additional supporting papers Section 1 ‘Introducing our Children, The Children and Young People’s people’s lives. It has a particular focus and notes. Young People and Families’ covers Plan Regulations 2007 place a for all those who are responsible for some of the headline information on The Plan is not intended to reflect duty on the LA to provide services or activities that affect or what they have said is important to or cover the full extent of all the work statements in the Plan as to how relate to children, young people and them, need, outcomes and the that is done in Cheshire to support they intend to deliver their families in Cheshire; it is set Cheshire context for this; children and young people’s improvements for children, young out to cover the key issues and outcomes, and therefore should be people and families across the challenges for change that will Section 2 ‘Our Priorities for Action’ considered alongside all the many five outcomes with an additional sustain and improve outcomes for sets out, in the context of the main service and locality plans and specific reference to: children and young people. drivers for change and the 5 strategies that underpin the work of outcomes, our response to what is i) The integration of services Content and format happening to children young people the Trust. Its focus is those areas ii) Arrangements to safeguard Based on feedback received on and families; that have been viewed as collective previous Plans this one aims to be or shared priorities and it deliberately and promote welfare (under Section 3 ‘Integration and System more readable, brief and accessible. does not restate or go into great section 11(2) of the) Children Change’ breaks down the major Much of the detail on what is going detail about what is already set up Act 2004; and process and organisational changes to be done, by whom and when will or working well. Government iii) Arrangements for early that are required across all members be available within the more detailed guidance refers to how the ‘story of intervention and preventative of the Trust to deliver improved specifications and action plans that place’ should be articulated through action. services and outcomes; will be posted on the Children’s Trust the Sustainable Community Responses to these required website cheshireschildren.co.uk Section 4 ‘Managing Performance Strategy – the Children’s Plan areas are covered consistently in and Targets’ presents how the supports this strategy and the Wherever relevant and possible we the narrative describing the activity and outcomes will be articulation of place and leadership have presented information by East response to our local priorities tracked and reported in line with the from the perspective of children, and West Cheshire. and specifically in Appendix 2. refreshed ECM outcomes framework young people, their families and the and National Indicators; services they use.

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 9 Cheshire is changing

(initially) before the new authorities 2. All children have the potential to are established and then early in succeed and should go as far as their tenure either refresh this Plan their talents can take them; or develop their own, in accordance 3. Children and young people need with local (East/West) priorities and to enjoy their childhood as well as needs as agreed with each grow up prepared for adult life; authority’s respective Children’s Trust and partners. 4. Services need to be shaped by and responsive to children, young As stated previously the Trust is people and families, not designed committed throughout this period of around professional boundaries; change to ensure services and outcomes are sustained and 5. It is always better to prevent improved. In addition the aim is to failure than tackle a crisis later. support the new authorities to ‘The Children’s Plan; Building brighter develop arrangements that will best futures’ draws much of the recent serve children, young people and national policy requirements together their families. in one strategic document, setting the priorities and context for the next 10 years. It re-casts and frames The Local Government Minister John This is a significant change and will Our Drivers for Change many of the Every Child Matters Healey confirmed in December 2007 affect all aspects of Children’s This part of the Plan sets out some service reforms and commitments the intention for a re-structuring of Services including schools, Social of the drivers for change that will against new imperatives for a Local Government in Cheshire. Care, play/leisure services and shape children’s services locally and sharper focus on ‘families’; localism, From the 1st April 2009 2 unitary Children’s Centres. The changes nationally over the next 5-10 years. prevention/early intervention, councils for East and West Cheshire also affect the nature and future of Almost all significant plans and personalisation and narrowing the will replace the existing seven (made partnership and Children’s Trust expectations are linked to or built gap in outcomes between those up of 1 County Council and 6 arrangements beyond 1st April 2009. from the 5 principles that are set out doing the best and poorest. District Councils). Elections to the The aim is to maximise new within the ‘Children’s Plan – Building Significantly, ‘Building brighter new shadow authorities were on the opportunities for Local Government brighter futures’: futures’ renews a focus on integration 1st May 2008 and following these, and to ensure a seamless and safe of leadership, processes and targets plans will be made for how the new 1. Government does not bring up transition of services and across all services for children. authorities will organise and deliver children – parents do – so accountability. It is likely that each their services from 1st April 2009. government needs to do more to new authority will form its own Trust back parents and families; arrangements in shadow form

10 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust Leadership, commissioning performance management approach, 1. Increasing stability and options for and collaboration bringing more challenge against the where they live; actions and progress, is an essential 2. Learning engagement and The Trust has to offer effective feature of the next period. strategic leadership to drive forward opportunities when they leave improvements and change. Change Most members of the Trust have a school. function as commissioners and as is dependent on a joint approach The Trust also recognises that in the providers – future arrangements will and to do this there needs to be next period we have to intervene in a need to ensure challenge in a leadership that is visible and more structured way to reduce the process that delivers open and fair confident enough to use its powers need for children and young people approaches when deciding how best creatively to shape future services. to come into care, (particularly to commission and reform provision. The Trust is a member of a wider teenagers). Currently, the options partnership and leadership network Looked After Children available to intervene with young that includes the Local Strategic Nationally and in Cheshire people who are on the verge of Partnerships and Local outcomes for children in care have coming into care are too limited. Safeguarding Children Board. The improved but there remains a leadership role is one that stretches Engagement and participation significant and widening gap beyond services for children and Enabling children, young people between these and the outcomes for Our3 local priorities and drivers for links with wider accountability for and their parents to have their views all children. They are over­ change substantially reflect the public services and decisions that heard and taken into account on all represented in a range of vulnerable aspirations and approaches of the have to be made which affect whole matters that affect them, with the groups including those not in new national Plan – our joint local communities to improve future opportunity to share in decision- education, employment or training challenges are referenced within all quality of life and wellbeing. making, is a major driver for change. post-16, teenage parents, young parts of the Plan but are There are examples of excellent Cheshire has many of the core offenders, drug users and prisoners. summarised below. practice but they are inconsistent – components in place to make an Over the next period we have to participation by young people in effective Trust; membership and respond in a number of ways that Youth Parliament elections is representation are good, a shared will require all members of the Trust nationally recognised and work in set of priorities is established and to take responsibility for change. Children’s Centres engaging parents partners are committed to making it Improving outcomes for those is well established. However, the work. Governance and strategy is already in our care is the starting Trust has, as a priority, to establish understood and an approach to point. A range of approaches are arrangements and processes that commissioning is forming. The next needed but they will focus involve and recognise the views of step (of which this Plan is part of the significantly on: those that receive and use services. process) is to lead delivery and impact against priorities. A tighter

3Our and we are used interchangeably to describe the Trust as a whole.

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 11 Disabled Children high for disabled children: better intervene quickly and effectively with styles and behaviour management Disabled children and their families support for families’ sets out the those who are most susceptible. and for example in using tested face a challenging set of national strategy for improving the approaches to parenting – it must lives of disabled children and their Getting to grips with however become more consistent circumstances that demand a information and evidence unique and sometimes specific families – the ambition is for a and cover all services for children. transformation in services for The first step as a parent to helping blend of universal, targeted and Narrowing the gap in outcomes specialist services from many families with disabled children by your child is to understand what the We are proud that most of Cheshire’s organisations and professionals to 2011, with a particular focus on issues are and what help and children and young people do very support them. Much progress has short breaks, childcare and self support it is they might need. The well. Narrowing the ‘gap’ refers to been made on making sure that the management of budgets. challenge for us is no different. We the difference or deficit between the blending of services around the have to get beneath what is Good Transitions outcomes for most and for those child’s and family’s needs is based happening to our children more Our children and young people’s who do least well. It is concerned on those needs and not the effectively than we have before if we lives are full of expected and with improving outcomes for constraints of organisations or are to plan and develop responses unexpected changes and vulnerable children and those who workers. However, more needs to be that will successfully nurture and transitions, most manage these well are most at risk – it is not about done and in the next period we support. and have the resilience to adapt to limiting the opportunities or reducing would expect to see progress on new settings and circumstances We already have access to lots of the outcomes for those that do well developing single leadership and comfortably. However, for some good information and this Plan sets but sharpening a focus on commissioning arrangements as children and young people this is out how a lot of it is being used improvements for those that do not. well as joint teams that work around challenging. Our evidence is telling increasingly to inform the priorities the family. From a universal services Illustrations of the gap are apparent us that at the change from primary we set and services we offer. context it will be extended services across the 5 outcomes, and some to secondary school too many However as a Children’s Trust we that need to develop and deliver an are noted later in section 1, for young people are knocked off track. need to improve the way we do this; offer to disabled children that is example the gap in educational They fail to adapt to the change in it needs to be more systematic and equivalent in quality and range as attainment at KS2 English between the learning environment and the in real time to put decision making that to their non disabled peers. children from all Cheshire schools different expectations of them. This in a sharper focus. Building very and those attending schools in high Parents and disabled children are difficulty is replicated at 16 when local profiles of need that get scoring IMD areas, showed a 13% asking for change, reform and some young people are making beneath the aggregates which can gap; at foundation stage the gap is innovation around services; they are choices about education, hide differences, is vital. close to 30% which is comparable to increasingly seeking more flexible employment and training. It is As the quality of information on need statistical neighbour authorities. arrangements that they can control particularly an issue for boys improves so must our use of Applying national research to themselves in ways that fit in with although it is presenting for girls. evidence based approaches. There Cheshire children from the 5% most their lives – a huge increase in the Failing to make a positive transition are already good examples of where disadvantaged households are more take up of direct payments is can have a long-term effect on this is being used and delivering than 50 times more likely to have testimony to this desire. ‘Aiming children’s outcomes and we need to results; in schools around learning multiple problems at age 30, than

12 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust those from the top 50% of intervention services which are a Integrating services and households. Looked after children gateway to other opportunities. processes are 10 times more likely to be NEET Extended Services in and around Big improvements have been made and in trouble with the police and schools, Education Improvement in the way individuals and courts than their peers. Partnerships (EIPs) and Children’s organisations plan and work Local and accessible services Centres are a good example of together especially around children; Parents and children tell us that where the drives to make services with disabilities, in care, needing sometimes when they need and as local and accessible as possible protection or those aged 0-5. The search for help our services often come together. For example, to establishment of a Cheshire-wide feel difficult to navigate and access; develop the economies of scale Integrated Youth Support Service they are also asking wherever around leadership, skills and (delivered by Connexions) in possible for services to be local to services, schools are independently October 2007 is a massive step to them. They (and we) know it is not and through facilitation, working more integrated services for our possible for all services to be together to ensure there is an young people. effective set of services for children, delivered within a short distance of Information is shared more readily, young people and families in their home; but we can do much better at there are more joint plans and most area. This goes well beyond the making them easier to get to and professionals say they are more classroom and there are now different services can be organised into. familiar with their peers in other exemplars of schools jointly to respond. organisations in terms of what they There is no single definition and commissioning such things as do and how to access their services The Trust is agreed that only by many different perceptions of ‘local’ family support and counselling. In – Children’s Centres and early years’ clarifying and integrating the and we need to ensure that addition to schools jointly services characterise the processes of identification, whatever arrangements are made, a commissioning there are also improvements for children aged 0-5 assessment and management of priority is that people feel they are increasing numbers of other support with more blended services and response (for vulnerable children) accessible. Our strategy will be built services like health, police and processes. However, for children can we make improvements in significantly but not exclusively voluntary groups basing themselves aged 5-19 who are vulnerable or services and therefore outcomes. At around individual and clusters of inside and alongside schools. the forefront of integration are Multi schools and children’s centres; they showing the first signs of difficulty, This will be developed further in the the system is less developed. The Agency Prevention Teams, are our key to “local” and Integrated and Targeted Youth “accessible”. Neither will become next period and for example, where lack of shared processes, possible, new buildings will include particularly for assessing and Support Services, Common the place that ‘all’ services are Assessment Framework (CAF), delivered from but they will make space for co-located services. responding, makes getting help more uncertain. An additional critical Children’s Centres, Education many services feel more within Improvement Partnerships and reach and accessible because they element to whether services are effective at improving outcomes is Extended Services in and around will be the axis for information and schools. for a range of prevention and early how quickly different skills from

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 13 Skills and workforce different parts of the workforce for There is already a range of early ‘What makes the biggest difference example those in early years, and intervention activities that support to children is the people in their the introduction of new processes parents, children and young people lives’4. To our children, young people like CAF brings with it a scale of around health, development, safety and their parents, the ‘workforce’ as training and development across the and wellbeing. However, as with a concept doesn’t really mean that whole children’s sector that other parts of children’s services, much, but the quality of the teacher, encompasses thousands of workers there is still fragmentation and a lack social worker, childminder and in Cheshire. of shared direction, making it difficult volunteer is something they refer to to connect children (and their Prevention and early parents) to the help they need when consistently when feeding back on intervention what made a positive difference. they need it – greatly reducing the Ensuring there is a shared core of The Government is explicit that potential impact. understanding, level of skills and Children’s Trusts must have in place confidence across our workforce at by 2010 consistent, high quality the same time as developing new arrangements to provide ways of working is the workforce identification and early intervention challenge. A Trust-wide workforce for all children and young people strategy is being developed and who need additional help in relation priorities for the next year agreed. to their health, education, care and behaviour, including help for their be to identify early those who will There is a significant change parents as appropriate. need some form of direct needed in leadership skills and intervention to prevent problems competencies to manage more Our approach is, wherever possible, escalating further that can be integrated working, teams and to move towards prevention and predicted or are emerging, for settings, as well as using different early intervention, rather than the example by providing support for techniques to plan and develop treatment of problems once they mothers suffering from depression services like commissioning. At the have happened. Part of our strategy or children with speech and front line we have to retain and depends on ensuring effective language support. Schools, health, recruit key workers (especially primary prevention through public and early years’ settings are crucial where there are shortages) and health and/or population-wide to delivering this part of our develop our staff (and volunteers) prevention and screening approach to prevention by looking particularly those that may not have programmes. This will improve the for early warnings that children may had the development frameworks life of the typical child and reduce need more help and by providing and opportunities their key roles the numbers whose health or facilities for specialist services to deserve. There will be different development is not as good as it operate so they can be easily dimensions of development for might be. A secondary benefit will reached by children and families

4Speech by Kevin Brennan Children’s Minister 03 April 2008 , Central Hall Westminster

14 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust The focus is on targeted services, but with important links to universal and specialist services Improving and sustaining outcomes for children in families where there are multiple problems such as worklessness, poor health/parenting and inappropriate housing is almost impossible unless parents are also engaged. Much of our children’s workforce excels at engaging with children and young people and the range of their skills is extensive, but we recognise that we lack the numbers of those who have sufficient capacity and skills to work with parents and whole families to support changes in behaviour, attitude and circumstances. This is particularly apparent in families that Resources In spite of this there is scope to are on the edge of breaking down align spend and manage delivery of but have not crossed the threshold This Plan, the proposed activity services in different ways and a key Thinking parents and families into specialist services like Social and targets for next year, are all advantage will be to use any fresh or Care. To make a difference, we will costed within current or projected Every Child Matters put an intense specific funding for the transformation need to draw more on the skills of expenditure from each member of focus on our children and their of children’s services in ways that colleagues from adult services. the Children’s Trust. The overall outcomes. We have responded to are in line with Trust priorities. investment incorporating health this with a range of reforms and Developing and implementing There are opportunities to shift the services, Local Authorities, schools, changes that placed children more arrangements for parenting support, balance of expenditure (and activity) and Connexions etc is estimated as than ever before at the centre of our with strong links between building so that less is spent on dealing with close to £850 million. Between half plans. Reflection and learning has parental skills and confidence and problems that arise and more on and two thirds of this £850 million is demonstrated that improvements engaging parents in their child’s stopping those problems occurring ring fenced to funding arrangements have been most significant and learning and development, are in the first place. Using any like the Dedicated Schools Grant sustained where the focus has been essential next steps. Only through opportunity to bolster prevention (which is a source of funding for on parents as well as their children. multi-agency agreements on and early intervention activity and approach and working practices can schools’ delegated budgets) and gradually reduce pressure on costly we deliver co-ordinated and high certain government prescribed and intensive intervention services quality parenting services. centrally managed services. will be taken, thus achieving a better balance of expenditure.

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 15 Section 1 – Introducing our Children, Young People and Families This section of the Plan summarises the highlights from our analysis of our population of children, young people and families; it covers some of the needs, trends and issues that have informed the priorities and focus for action.

The onus is on those areas where On any given day in Cheshire there Population there is the most still do – it is just a are between 500 and 560 children in There are close to 156,000 children snapshot of a more detailed analysis care and close to 180 on the Child and young people (aged 0-19) in available at cheshireschildren.co.uk. Protection Register; in addition to Cheshire. The majority are living in Later this year a Joint Strategic these there a further 3000 or around the major towns and Needs Assessment will be considered to be Children in Need. urban areas. From 2009 the split published which will cover in more Commonly, between 3 and 5 between East and West Cheshire detail the issues introduced below. children each day are first time will be 52% East and 48% West. offenders (average annual figures of Summary between 1100 and 1400) and across By 2026 there will be about 5% The vast majority of our children Cheshire, there are over eight fewer children than there were in and young people do well in terms conceptions to women under 18 2006. In 2005 97% of the population of all 5 outcomes – compared to years of age every week. was classed as white. More recently others living in the region and there have been significant across the country – our children The story of what is happening in increases in the number of are healthy, well cared for and do the lives of our children and young European Community immigrants well at school. However, estimates people is characterised by a mostly in the more urban parts of suggest that across the County, widening gap between the majority the County leading to significant around 17% or 26,0005 of all who are doing well and whose increases in families and children children and young people 0-19 are outcomes are improving and a accessing universal services like at ‘risk’ of poor outcomes and of minority who are commonly living in health and schools. the most disadvantaged areas that this number perhaps up to 10,000 It is well known that deprivation is a are significantly so. are experiencing improvements in outcomes but at a much reduced major factor affecting the health and and slower rate. well-being of children and in Cheshire there are around 18,700 children (14%) living in low income

5Based on Profile of vulnerable young people living in Cheshire Aug 2007 Cheshire DAAT.

1 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust A snapshot of changing Cheshire households. Cheshire has 44 areas falling within the 20% most deprived East Cheshire Cheshire West and Chester areas in England. This compares to There are 127 primary schools There are 130 primary schools 39 in 2004 (see appendix 3 for more (26,000 pupils), 21 secondary (24,000 pupils), 22 secondary information). schools (22,800 pupils) and 4 schools (22,600 pupils) and 10 An analysis of ethnicity from 2001 special schools in Cheshire East. special schools in Cheshire West census data showed at that time and Chester. 96.3% of Cheshire’s population Pupils perform well compared to Pupils perform well compared to described themselves as “White the national average. The the national average. The British” compared to 87% in proportion of GCSE candidates proportion of GCSE candidates England as a whole; in 2001 there achieving grades A*-C was 63% in achieving grades A*-C was 60% in were just 10,800 BME residents in 2006 compared to 59% for 2006 compared to 59% for Cheshire. Analysis of ethnicity by England. England. Children’s Centres’ footprints shows that the small population of BME Achievements in other Key Stages Achievements in other Key Stages residents is spread across the are similarly above average. are similarly above average. County with no areas having a BME The percentage of children eligible The percentage of children eligible population of more than 4%. Since for free school meals is 7.7%. for free school meals is 11.4%. then the significant growth has been in relation to migrant families. In 2005/6 there were 4,150 referrals In 2005/6 there were 5,158 referrals to Children’s Services in to Children’s Services in The next set of headlines is broken Cheshire East. Cheshire West. down by aspects of children and young people’s lives; health and wellbeing, safety, learning and development and family life.

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 17 Health and wellbeing Mental health Alcohol Teenage pregnancy and nationally. A study at the Countess The quality and extent of our data During the 1990s young drinkers sexual health of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust shows how the infection has on mental health and wellbeing is aged 11 to 15 in England doubled Young women from the poorest increased in the younger population. mixed. Our position is derived from their average weekly consumption backgrounds are 10 times more The number of cases of national/local and international, of alcohol, from five units in 1990 to likely to become teenage mothers uncomplicated Chlamydia detected surveys, reports and information on 10 units in 2004. It has since stabilised than young women from professional at the Genito-Urinary Department demand for and access to services. for boys but continues to increase backgrounds. Against the national increased five-fold between 1995 There is information that supports for girls. The greatest increase has and regional position ‘Cheshire’ has and 2004. A sevenfold increase was the national view that our children been amongst girls aged 14. Alcohol a relatively low rate of teenage apparent in 16-19 year olds over the and young people’s emotional is an issue for our children and conceptions. Between 1998 and same period and the majority of health and wellbeing is deteriorating. young people in two distinct ways: 2006 the rate for the County has According to the recent UN report6 cases diagnosed were in those 1. Adult alcohol consumption in fallen by 15%, however, in some of children growing up in the United aged 20-24 years. Cheshire is disproportionately the most disadvantaged Kingdom have worse relationships high with regional and national neighbourhoods the figures are Obesity with their parents and are exposed comparators; this follows through significantly higher and falling more The number of children and young to more risks from alcohol, drugs to higher than comparator slowly, for example in some parts of people with persistent and severe and unsafe sex than those in any admissions to hospital for alcohol Crewe and Ellesmere Port the weight problems is rising across the other wealthy country in the world. related illness and accidents. For figures are between 2 and 6 times County. The North West Child Across Cheshire we are seeing the County average figure. children’s social care alcohol is an Height and Weight Measurement increased recording and referrals for issue in almost 25% of all open Nationally, between 2001 and 2005, data for 2007 shows that the services around children and young cases and in 55% of incidents the rate of new diagnoses of prevalence of obesity across people’s conduct/behaviour and where domestic abuse is reported Chlamydia among people who Cheshire is similar to the rest of the specific mental health problems like alcohol is ‘involved’. attended Genito-Urinary Medicine region with rates of obesity and depression. clinics greatly increased from 138 to 2. Y oung people’s alcohol overweight reception and year 6 191 per 100,000. The largest consumption has a strong children commonly upwards of 30% increases in Chlamydia rates were connectivity with offending, (combined). Ellesmere Port and seen in people aged 16 to 24 years. violence and anti social Neston reception year boys have The highest rates were in females behaviour/disorder. The Youth the highest %age obesity in the aged 16 to 19. Offending Team reports that northwest at 17.2%; it also has the alcohol is the most significant In Cheshire approximately 6.1% of third highest for girls. In contrast the substance in relation to offending young people (15-24) have been prevalence of obesity and behaviour – far more than drugs. screened for Chlamydia. Such overweight in the reception year was Significantly, young people are community-based screening in the regional lowest for boys in most likely to be victims of 16-24 year-olds has found a 10-11% Chester and the regional lowest for violence as a result of alcohol. positive rate, similar to that reported girls in Congleton.

6United Nations Children’s Fund seventh annual report on child well-being in the wealthy nations of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) 2007.

18 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust Safety female passengers are statistically Bullying Child Protection Registrations more at risk of death and serious Bullying, along with safe places to Year 05/06 06/07 01.04.08 injury than their male counterparts. play and go, come out top of almost Child Protection Registrations 174 153 181 Our information tells us that RTAs every survey with Cheshire’s where children and young people children and young people. A third are killed or seriously injured are not of children in the Tellus2 survey Child protection and neglect Children and young people evenly distributed across the (2007) felt their school did not deal Evidence is telling us that the killed and seriously injured on County. The postcode areas of CW7 with bullying at all well and in the incidence and reporting of neglect the roads (Winsford), CW1 (Crewe), and CH3 last Cheshire survey (2006) 44% of are increasing; 44% of children who Young people between 17 and 25 are (Blacon in Chester) are those where pupils reported that they were became the subject of a child disproportionately (compared to the the majority of accidents take place. bullied in the previous year. 76% of protection plan in 2007 were as a parents that responded to the rest of the driving population) repre­ Domestic violence result of neglect. There are currently sented in casualty statistics. Figures survey said they worry about (27.3.08) 109 children with child vary by times of day, times of the The recorded number of children bullying. protection plans due to risks year but their risk varies between witnessing domestic violence (DV) associated with neglect, which being about 4 to up to 10 times in Cheshire is staggering. Cheshire represents 57.9% of the total. Of the more likely to be involved in a fatal Constabulary Data 2006/07 109 children, 55% are 5 years and road traffic collision. Whilst this trend identified 11,477 children in under. Overall the trend is a rising is downward, some young people households where a domestic one for the number of children on are far more vulnerable than others. abuse incident was reported. In the the Child Protection Register. 20 under 16 year olds died in the 6 same period 289 different children years between 2001 and 2006, but were accommodated in Cheshire 63 17-21 year olds died in the same Refuges in 2006/07 and one in three period. Road traffic collisions are the child protection cases show a most common cause of accidental history of domestic violence to the death of young males – young mother.

Children and Young People killed and Seriously Injured in RTAs

Age/year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 0-16y 97 102 94 104 100 72 71 17-21y 122 97 119 126 142 118 98 Total 219 199 213 230 242 190 169

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 19 Learning and development A view of family life for Early years primary achieved this in the remaining Super are reporting that time managing those with the poorest school children Output Areas. There was a similar students whose behaviour is poor, gap in 2006. have troubled home lives or struggle outcomes In Cheshire, there is a gap of 33.8% in other ways with the social life of 29 of 163 wards (21% of the between the average Foundation Our primary schools’ performance in school, is increasing. Cheshire population) have 56% of all Stage Profile (FSP) score of the the core subjects of English and lone parents in the County and just lowest 20% of children and the Maths over the last three years has Overall the proportion of Cheshire’s over 45% of all benefit claimants. median FSP score for all Cheshire consistently been above the national young people Not in Education, A recent review of 2 of the 11 most children. This is an overall decrease average at the end of Key Stage 2. Employment or Training is reducing disadvantaged parts of Cheshire on the 2006 figure (34.7%) and the However we are identifying a and this stands up well against where children and young people 2005 baseline (35.9%). Work is differential in outcome between national and regional counterparts. had the poorest outcomes, showed continuing to focus on narrowing the boys and girls particularly in English However in some geographical that each had: gap. Recent analysis shows that the and Maths. The outcomes, areas the figure remains significantly gap in East Cheshire has remained particularly for white British boys higher and for example for Looked • Over 35% lone parent almost constant across 2005-7. eligible for free school meals, are after Children (cohort of 29) 41% are households; By contrast, the gap has noticeably noticeably low compared to their NEET – 10 times that of their peers. • An almost exclusively white British decreased in the same period in peers not on FSM. NEET is a strong predictor of poor population; West Cheshire. outcomes, for example; nationally Secondary schools and leavers 71 per cent of young women who • Triple the national %age of Nationally 49% of children had The achievement of the majority of are NEET for six months or more households with no adults in good outcomes in Communication, young people in secondary school between 16–18 years of age are employment with dependent Language and Literacy Development is very good and this is evident in children; 7 parents by 21. (CLLD) in the FSP in 2007 – the their results. OfSTED’s Tellus2 figure for the whole of Cheshire is • High levels of anxiety disorders survey confirms a high proportion of and depression in adults; 67%. However, this masks differences students liking and feeling they do between different Super Output well at school. However, such strong • High levels of recorded alcohol Areas. The gap in attainment progress in educational outcomes and substance use and misuse. between the geographical areas is not the whole story and schools with the most poverty and other parts of the County is significant. In the 30% most deprived Super Cheshire NEET Output Areas in Cheshire, 49.1% of children were achieving a good level Nov 2005 Nov 2006 Nov 2007* of attainment in Communication, Actual 5.3% 4.1% 4.8% Language and Literacy in the FSP in 2007. In contrast, 71.3 % of children Target 4.7% 4.2% 5.2%

7A score of 6+ in a scale of the Foundation Stage Profile is nationally considered good and means that children are working securely within the Early Learning Goals.

20 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust Significant trends We have touched on some of the Childcare (sufficiency) Managing children’s behaviour Self management significant trends already; as the gateway to work Parents are telling us that they are There is a direction of travel for the summarised below are further areas Availability and take up of child care struggling to manage their children’s way children, young people and for consideration is a powerful factor in helping behaviour – anecdotal information is parents are seeking things like Looked After Children children and families on their backed up by increasing numbers of advice and services from places that referrals to social care and child and they have not done so (in scale) There has been a 14% increase in journey out of poverty. Most support adolescent mental health services before. This is largely linked to the number of Looked Children After is needed for the significant minority around behaviour difficulties. A brief universal services but is also shifting and the biggest increase is the 11­ of parents whose purchasing power study in Crewe highlighted dealing to pick up targeted and some 15 year old age group and is limited either because they do not with tantrums and getting children to specialist areas particularly boys. Consistently this work, their work is low-paid and bed at a reasonable time were a results from an overwhelming part-time, or because they work The expansion of the internet as a major pressure and source of breakdown of family relationships longer hours, the context and resource for all manner of concern for parents with younger where the parent/s can no longer background for this is covered in the information and opportunities children. The number of parents contain or manage the behaviour of Childcare Sufficiency Assessment ranging from social networking to who state they are struggling with the child/young person. The available from www.cheshire.gov. advice and information on parenting their teenage children is apparent in breakdown of school attendance uk/childrenandfamilies and drugs, is a big change. The the spiralling referrals to social care. and exclusion is increasingly expansion of the independent and identified as a factor that has tipped private sectors around childcare, the balance for families from sports and leisure opportunities is managing to not managing. also a significant shift. Increasing numbers of young Direct payments are a further women committing crime example of where the changing demands for how services are While not on a par with their male delivered and organised poses peers, more young women are challenges. Disabled children and becoming first time entrants to the young people are wanting to self criminal justice system. While the manage more and more – using the male figure is steady and falling in resources available to them in many parts of the County, the figure different ways than they have for young women has shown a previously. sharp increase in some places.

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 21 Children and young people’s views Children and young people are the Safe places to go and things to The availability of information to help richest source of information on do had high recognition. For our you when you needed it has had what is happening and is important younger children they want parks mixed reviews. Some services have to them. There is some difference in and play areas that are free from been praised for the quality and view by where children live, how old bullying and intimidation – often, availability, for example, Connexions they are and their circumstances, they felt, by older groups of children. and KOOTH had good reports, but but overall there was great continuity. the consensus is that children and They were also explicit about broken young people feel we could do Our children and young people are glass and poor equipment. Safer better. They have singled out school stating and demonstrating the desire streets, especially from cars that drive as a place that could offer much to have more of a say in decision too fast, and safer places to cross more in terms of information and making. In a survey of 9000 young roads were raised. Younger children advice about a whole range of people in Cheshire 69% said they also commented on the importance issues. wanted to be involved in decision of clean and cleaner streets – the making and of the 9000 respondents majority ‘play out’ near to where in Cheshire, 80% agreed or strongly they live and cleaner, tidier spaces agreed that there was not enough to would make this more enjoyable. do outside of school, college or Older children and young people work. In the Tellus2 survey 65% felt wanted to see more structured the views of children and young opportunities that were affordable people were not listened to. Over and accessible. Lots of our young 20% of all eligible 11-18 year olds people recognised the availability of voted within the Cheshire Youth many social and leisure opportunities Parliament Elections – this is one of but cost was a big factor: transport the highest numbers of young and entry costs were often prohibitive. people anywhere in the UK who Getting around Cheshire has been select their MYPs. raised consistently by young people as difficult. Notably young people are increasingly commenting on and raising issues about the independent and private sectors’ offer – an area on which the Trust has to date had the least influence.

22 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 23 Section 2 – Our priorities for action Summarised over the next few pages are those priorities that are agreed by the Trust for each outcome area, with a brief description of focus – the detail of the response to each is still being developed and is available at cheshireschildren.co.uk. Each group of priorities is drawn from a mixture of local, regional and national analyses of need and evidence or findings from consultation, inspection and services. They are significantly informed by the drivers for change referred to earlier.

Be Healthy

Stay Safe

Enjoy and Achieve

Make a Positive Contribution

Achieve Economic Wellbeing

24 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust “I’m looking forward to getting back to the gym” Craig

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 25 Be Healthy BH1: Stopping the Rise in Year 1 targets Years 2/3 direction of travel Childhood Obesity Measure 85/86% of children Steady rise in measures and Obesity is one of the most serious Access to support programmes for reception and year 6 children. quality of data on obesity. challenges for children from all obese children and young people in backgrounds and is linked to a the first instance will be offered, as Restrict obesity rises to less than Continued restriction of increase. number of poor outcomes – it is a well as universal action to ensure all 0.5% points, no increase at all or a growing problem in England – in schools, early years and childcare reduction in obesity. 2005 nearly one in five children settings and children’s centres 2 hours’ quality PE each week for Increase up to 4 hours. between the ages of 2 and 15, both promote healthy lifestyles and all and participation in positive, boys and girls, were obese provide information, advice and structured activities such as drama, compared to around one in eight in guidance to parents around making music, team sports, or 1997. The number of children and healthy family choices, especially volunteering. young people with persistent, severe the promotion of breastfeeding. weight problems is rising across the Increase levels of breastfeeding at Sustain increase in breastfeeding The result we want for our children, County but with some particular 6-8 weeks. levels. young people and families is: hotspot areas. Of most concern is Ellesmere Port and Neston where • Every Cheshire child to grow up Associated National Indicators the National Child Measurement eating well and enjoying being NI 55 Obesity among primary school age children in reception year Programme reports the highest active; prevalence for obesity in the North NI 56 Obesity among primary school age children in year 6 – Cheshire LAA • As many new mothers as possible target West for boys in both reception year breastfeeding; (5 year olds) and year 6 (11 year NI 57 Children and young people’s participation in high-quality PE and sport • Obese children young people to olds). NI 53 Prevalence of breastfeeding at 6 – 8 weeks from birth have access to targeted services Stopping the rise in childhood to help them achieve and sustain NI 52 Take up of school lunches obesity will focus on meeting the a healthy weight. NI 198 Children travelling to school – mode of travel usually used challenges by promoting healthier NI 88 Number of Extended Schools food choices and building physical activity into daily life. A particular NI 110 Young people’s participation in positive activities focus for the period 2008-11 will be targeted action to identify families at risk – in families where both parents are overweight or obese, children are six times more likely to be so too.

2 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust BH2 Reducing Teenage Year 1 targets Years 2/3 direction of travel Pregnancy and Improving Sexual Health A reduction in under 18: A further reduction of under-18 conception rate by area and Early sexual activity is associated The result we want for our children, • Conception rates; children in care. with poorer sexual health and young people and families is: • Repeat conceptions; educational outcomes. In the longer An increased percentage of • A faster rate of reduction in • Terminations; term this can also lead to reduced young people report confidence in conception; emotional and economic well being. • Repeat terminations. accessing sexual health services In addition, the children of young • Children enjoy healthy that have adopted the appropriate relationships; A reduction in under-18 teenage parents are at an increased conceptions rates amongst young “You’re Welcome” Standards. • Easy access to excellent risk of disadvantage due to links people by area with a focus on A stabilising or reduction in information, support and with poverty and the effects of children in care. reported cases of Chlamydia. inexperienced parenting. guidance around teenage pregnancy and sexual health; Young people report positive Teenage parents report improved Reducing Teenage Pregnancy and • Participation and engagement of experience of young people confidence and enjoyment of their improving Sexual Health will focus friendly sexual health services. parenting roles and responsibilities. on meeting the challenges in wards young people and families in the within Cheshire where the teenage design and shape of supportive conception rate is stubbornly high. local services. Associated National Indicators While early involvement in risky NI 112 Under 18 conception rate – Cheshire LAA target sexual behaviour by both boys and NI 53 Prevalence of breastfeeding at 6 – 8 weeks from birth girls appears to be of Countywide concern, the teenage pregnancy NI 110 Young people’s participation in positive activities conception rates remain higher in NI 113 Prevalence of Chlamydia in under 25 year olds wards of disadvantage. The local areas where under 18 conceptions are highest are Vale Royal, Crewe, and Ellesmere Port, with particular wards linking to higher levels of economic deprivation.

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 27 BH3 Good Mental Health and Year 1 targets Years 2/3 direction of travel Emotional Well-Being Strong social and emotional skills We need to break cycles of poor 100% of children accessing Continued expansion in secondary are essential to success in life and outcomes by helping parents and children’s centres engaged with schools that have engaged in the work, but the evidence shows that carers to provide a nurturing and the healthy children’s centre SEAL programme during Year 7. children from disadvantaged stimulating home environment. We programme. backgrounds tend to possess them also need deliver more integrated Increase in primary children to a lesser extent than their more services that meet mental health engaged in SEAL. advantaged peers. We want to needs of all children and young ensure all children and young people. The primary focus of Good All Looked after Children to access people develop these skills. Mental Health and Emotional Well- mental health SDQ screening. Improvements in outcomes for Being will therefore be to target children and young people facing communities by place and type to Associated National Indicators particular risks in relation to their reach children, young people and NI 50 Emotional health of children mental health can be helped families most at risk from through a focus on prevention and vulnerability factors (e.g. LAC, care NI 51 Effectiveness of child and adolescent mental health (CAMHs) services early intervention to ensure early leavers, young parents and carers), NI 58 Emotional and behavioural health of children in care identification of needs and issues. but at the same time to have a NI 110 Young people’s participation in positive activities universal approach to providing Using ONS data to extrapolate a NI 69 Children who have experienced bullying information, advice, guidance and Cheshire position we can make a access to services for all. The result NI 62 Stability of placements of looked after children: number of moves reasonable assumption that we want for our children, young NI 63 Stability of placements of looked after children: length of placement approximately 9,800 young people people and families is: aged 0-16 are experiencing some NI 148 Care leavers in employment, education or training type of mental health difficulty at any • Greater numbers of young people NI 115 NI 115 Substance misuse by young people one time. For example Cheshire has in good physical health and 455 primary aged pupils at School mental health; Action Plan or with statements for • Greater emotional literacy in Behaviour, Emotional and Social young people; Difficulties (BESD). For secondary • Increased resilience and coping there are 815 pupils and in special skills. schools 209 . These numbers place Cheshire “in line” for primary children but ‘towards the higher end’ for secondary and special schools.

28 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust “if I were in charge I would change the pollution” Leah “I wish people stopped at red lights” Daniel Stay Safe Year 1 targets Years 2/3 direction of travel SS1 Reducing Levels of Neglect of children who became the subject Establish Multi Agency Prevention Continuing reduction in Neglect Reducing rising levels of identified of a child protection plan in 2007 Teams and CAF. incidence. Child Neglect is a priority if we are to were as a result of neglect). In effectively protect children from Cheshire, in January 2008, neglect A reduction in the number of More systematic assessment and significant harm and enhance their was recorded as the risk for 125 children subject to child protection recording of neglect with better life chances. The costs of failure in (62.8%) of the 199 children on the plans for neglect . understanding of thresholds of responding more effectively to the child protection register. intervention to be well embedded in the practice of all professionals needs of children who are Alcohol is an increasing factor in working with children and young vulnerable to neglect cannot be neglect cases. Alcohol is an issue in people. understated. almost 25% of children’s social care Persistent neglect has significant open cases and in 55% of incidents The principal proxy measures of success will be: neuro- developmental consequences. where domestic abuse is reported, • Reduced numbers of children identified as suffering neglect; Neglectful parenting – characterised alcohol is ‘involved’. • Reduced numbers of children on the child protection register in the category as inattentive or unresponsive – is Our approach to Reducing levels of of neglect; often linked to non-organic failure to Neglect will focus early in the cycle • Reduced numbers of child protection plans in the category of neglect lasting 2 thrive in babies and young children, of its development. Implementing years or more; even fatalities resulting from lack of and developing the common • Reduced numbers of children becoming the subject of a child protection plan in the category of neglect for a second or subsequent time; supervision. There is a significant assessment framework will be key to and enduring connection between ensuring effective early identification • Increased number of initial assessments for children’s social care carried out within 7 working days of referral; neglect and a child’s cognitive ability of cases where neglect may be • Increased number Common Assessments carried out. and educational performance. emerging. The development of Neglected children not only do less multi-agency prevention teams in Associated National Indicators well in terms of performance but Cheshire will also support the work also have more discipline problems across agencies in responding more NI 64 Child protection plans lasting 2 years or more and school exclusions. These quickly and effectively to the early NI 65 Children subject to a Child Protection Plan for a second or difficulties often begin in primary indicators of possible neglect. subsequent time school and both persist and The result we want for our children, NI 68 Referrals to children’s social care going on to initial assessment deteriorate in secondary school. young people and families is: • Where deficits in parenting are • Effective assessment, planning In Cheshire a significantly higher • Clear identification of neglect at its identified (which increase the and intervention underpinned proportion of child protection earliest stages so that vulnerability likelihood of children and young initially by the Common Assess­ registrations are as a result of to poor outcomes is exposed and people’s needs being neglected), ment Framework (CAF) and later neglect than the national picture. resources mobilised to mitigate that they are understood and where necessary by the National Nationally, neglect is the most against this; common category of abuse under addressed within a multi-agency Assessment Framework (NAF). which children are registered (44% context;

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 31 Year 1 targets Years 2/3 direction of travel SS2 Tackling Bullying This will build on the work carried Children and young people in care Establish wider consensus on The Children Act 2004 (Section 11) out by Cheshire’s Inclusion and and school feel confident about approaches and reporting places a duty on statutory bodies to Education Service between 2003 reporting bullying incidents and in arrangements to ensure the scale safeguard the welfare of children in and 2007 including an anti-bullying the response they receive. of the problem is captured. discharging their functions and project which engaged schools in To roll out best and better practice schools, both state and addressing anti-bullying developing The TellUs survey to report: to all settings with a particular independent, have similar duties materials and an anti-bullying policy • A reduction in number of focus on out of school settings. under the Education Act 2002. for schools. children being bullied; Bullying is a safeguarding issue for Reporting of bullying increases but Work is now under way in order to • Fewer LAC reporting bullying. children and young people. It is also ensure a robust and consistent Children and Young People report amongst the top concerns that approach to anti bullying across the satisfaction with how it is tackled. parents, carers have about their County and all key settings and The principal proxy measures of success will be: children’s safety and well being on agencies, the Anti Bullying Strategy the way to and from school and in targets six areas for action: • The proportion of children and young people (aged from 5 up to and including the wider community. 15 years old) experiencing bullying is reduced; • Policy and procedures; • The number of children and young people reporting bullying incidents is Nationally and locally bullying is also • Data Collection and reporting; increased; amongst the top concerns that • Training and support; • Children and young people who are Looked After and other vulnerable groups children and young people feel safer in schools and other settings; themselves identify. Bullying makes • Communication; • Children and young people are confident that reported bullying incidents will the lives of its victims a misery: • Children and young people’s be quickly and effectively dealt with. it undermines their confidence and participation; self-esteem; and destroys their • Standards. Associated National Indicators sense of security. Bullying is the NI 69 Percentage of children who have experienced bullying The result we want for our children, safety concern most commonly NI 50 Emotional health of children cited by children and young people. young people and families is: Tackling Bullying will focus on • That children and young people, implementing an anti -bullying strategy particularly those ‘Looked After’ by to be adopted by all schools and the Local Authority and other other appropriate children’s services vulnerable groups avoid the problems settings, and putting in place a associated with bullying in order to reporting process that can inform achieve their full potential. activity and intervention and demonstrate that children’s concerns are dealt with in a timely manner.

32 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust “I wish the college to be

safe” Victoria Year 1 targets Years 2/3 direction of travel SS3 Positive choices; children, that parents and children have the Strategy for reducing number of Continuing reductions in children information and the skills to young people and parents stay children running away from home reported missing overnight. understand and manage the risks of safe and manage risk better. overnight. the modern world focusing on: There are two ends to the risk Strategy to ensure that young Increased engagement in positive spectrum, children and young • Potential new risks, such as cyber bullying and the safe use of people at greatest risk of serious activities outside school. people whose outcomes are at risk road traffic accidents are targeted. because of (1) the substantial risks technology; Sustain downward trend in number they take and are exposed to, • The likelihood of those risks of young people killed or seriously (2) those whose environment is so occurring so that parents feel able injured in Road traffic accidents. cosseted or protected that they have to help their children manage Information campaign to alert Families report that they are little or no exposure to ‘normal’ those risks effectively. Parents parents to the ‘relative’ risks faced confident about assessing and social/development opportunities need to be supported in being by their children. responding to risk and taking and risk learning. able to distinguish very high likelihood risks, such as accidents appropriate decisions. 1) Government research indicates in the home for under 5s and rare Joint plan and response to the Families report that they are that there is a high correlation risks such as abduction; between social and economic numbers of children who are confident about assessing and disadvantage and risk taking • There also needs to be a accidentally injured in their home responding to risk and taking behaviour including accidents in continued focus on known risks, and community. appropriate decisions. the home. such as accidents in the home/on the roads and in the reduction of The principal proxy measures of success will be: 2) Parents’ concerns about their harmful behaviours. • The outcome of the Tell us Survey indicates that children and young people children’s safety is rightfully high, feel safer, and fewer have experimented with drink; but it has been identified that over The result we want for our children, • Reduction in number of children who are reported as missing from home; caution about some aspects of young people and families is: • Reduction in number of children injured or killed in road traffic accidents; childhood, such as playing out of • Children and Young people are doors, can mean that children do able to identify risk in relation to • Reduction in number of young people presenting at A&E with preventable injuries; not get the full range of childhood their personal safety and experiences. Indeed parents may wellbeing, and feel equipped to • Reduction in number of accidents in the home for under 5 years. be trying to protect their child from make good choices about the Associated National Indicators one perceived risk whilst introducing way to proceed; others, such as the impact on • Parents feel well informed about NI 48 Children killed or seriously injured in road traffic accidents health of the lack of exercise. the relative risks faced by their NI 71 Children who have run away from home/care overnight Positive choices; children, young children, and are confident about people and parents stay safe and giving advice and guidance and manage risk better will focus on supporting their children in meeting the challenge of ensuring making the good choices.

34 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust Year 1 targets Years 2/3 direction of travel SS4 Placement Stability for Stability of Placements for Looked Increased choice of local More children placed closer to Looked After Children after Children will focus on meeting placements for those entering care home, fewer placement moves, the challenge in Cheshire of Placement moves are generally and more stability for those in and improved emotional wellbeing achieving greater stability for detrimental to outcomes for existing placements. of looked after children. children in care, including through children, particularly as moves placing more children for adoption A reduction in the rate of children disrupt their relationships with (Cheshire has proportionately lower in care, and an increase in the friends, family and arrangements for levels of children placed for percentage of these children their education. The corporate adoption relative to its statistical placed with foster carers. parenting responsibility for children neighbours). in care makes the challenge of The principal proxy measures of success will be: ensuring the best possible Given the long term benefits that • Increased percentage of children in care for 2.5 years who have been in the outcomes for Cheshire children who children derive from maximizing same placement for 2 years; need to be looked after a high their educational achievement, it is • Reduced percentage of children in care who experience 3 or more placement priority for all services. There is particularly important that children in moves within a year; strong commitment from elected care are enabled to have continuity • Increased percentage of children in care who are placed with family and Members who recognise their in their school placements. In order friends foster carers in a planned way. particular duties towards looked to achieve this it is desirable to after children and care leavers. remain in an appropriate placement Associated National Indicators The low proportion of children in long term. This means it is vital that NI 62 Stability of placements of looked after children: number of moves there is a planned approach to care in Cheshire over the years has NI 63 Stability of placements of looked after children: length of placement reflected the success of preventative placements, and that there is a good strategies, although there has been supply of skilled foster carers and NI 58 Emotional and behavioural health of children in care a significant growth in the care other forms of placement. NI 99 Children in care reaching level 4 in English at Key Stage 2 population more recently. The result we want for our children, NI 100 Children in care reaching level 4 in Maths at Key Stage 2 Whilst the majority of children and young people and families is: NI 101 Children in care achieving 5 A*-C GCSEs (or equivalent) at young people benefit from family • Children and young people in Key Stage 4 placements, residential care has an care, following consultation, to be NI 147 Care leavers in suitable accommodation important part to play. Sometimes settled in appropriate placements this is in order to enable other which promote their well-being, NI 148 Care leavers in employment, education or training placement types to succeed, for avoiding the disruption associated example to prepare young people with changes of placements, in for foster placements, or to offer order to achieve their full potential respite to foster carers. and lead successful adult lives.

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 35 Year 1 targets Years 2/3 direction of travel SS5 Supporting Children protected and supported quickly Increased identification of domestic Proportionate increases in CAF Exposed to Domestic Abuse and effectively. We need to ensure abuse via CAF. identification and early support that services are consistently plans in place. While Cheshire is currently available and have financial security. exceeding its targets in increasing Our response to these challenges Increase in identification of children Increase in the numbers of children the number of reported incidents will include; adopting a family impacted and to these individuals exposed to domestic abuse being and reducing the number of repeat approach to the way services are being effectively protected and supported by specialist provision. incidents we cannot afford to be developed in relation to domestic supported. complacent. British Crime Surveys abuse – adult and child needs/ indicate that probably at best only provision have to become more Increase Cheshire Schools All Cheshire schools to have had 25% of actual incidents are reported integrated. The scale and communities’ awareness of the Domestic Abuse training and aware - to the police, which mean that effectiveness of early intervention – impact of domestic abuse on ness of preventive programmes. 45,000 Cheshire children are likely particularly via Children’s Centres, children and families via training to have been exposed to domestic the application of CAF and other All major plans impacting Children and PSHCE projects. abuse in 2006/7. universal services needs to increase and Young People to have domestic as does responding to those already Increased domestic abuse training abuse reference and associated Police statistics Cheshire in touch with services because of provision for staff working with actions specialist programmes and Constabulary April 2006-March 2007 offending, substance misuse and children and young people. staff securely funded. Domestic abuse incidents 13,896 mental health issues address underlying domestic abuse. Children, young people and their Children in household 11,477 Sustaining the profile and funding families to report that they feel Repeat incidents 4,030 for continuing already excellent confident in the responses of agencies specialist children’s services linked to support and protect them. Arrests 2,704 to domestic violence. The principal proxy measures of success will be: Strategic and operational work to The result we want for our children, • Increased reporting of domestic abuse; address domestic abuse in Cheshire young people and families is that: is co-ordinated through the Cheshire • Reduced repeat incidents for survivors with children; Domestic Abuse Partnership with • Parents are supported to protect • Reduced MARAC repeats for survivors with children; themselves and their children; the result that Cheshire has one of • Percentage of Children and Schools that have accessed PSHCE projects on the most effective and comprehensive • Children and young people feel domestic abuse; support infrastructures anywhere confident in seeking help and • Increased ability of universal services to identify and respond to domestic abuse; in the UK. support when their personal • Increase in support from specialist services; safety or that of others is • Increased inclusion of domestic abuse in agency and partnership strategies; Supporting children exposed to compromised; domestic abuse will focus on • Children and young people report feeling supported in dealing with • Children have access to a range meeting this challenge by pursuing domestic abuse. of services which will increase a climate of zero tolerance towards Associated National Indicators any form of abusive behaviour, adult their physical safety and or child. When abuse or violence emotional wellbeing. NI 48 Repeat incidents of domestic violence does occur, children will be NI 71 Domestic violence – murder NI 50 Emotional health of children

3 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust “my wish is that everybody looks out for ” Rowan each other “I wish to get on a level one course and get a part time job” Tom Enjoy and Achieve Year 1 targets Years 2/3 direction of travel EA1 Raising Achievement in • The number of care placements To develop and implement a The gap between white British Targeted Groups, schools and so that continuity of education at community based ‘Turning the boys on FSM will reduce Year on communities a school can be achieved (also Curve’ by the community action Year at the end of Key Stage 2 and home to school transport to Our information is telling us that plan drawn up in line with their Key Stage 4. The gap should be in support continuity of education in identified needs with respect to line with the local average or less. there is an achievement gap and event of placement changes); this is particularly apparent between raising attainment for white British The ultimate aim is to close the gap white British boys on Free School • Family factors, such as living in a boys on FSM. between white boys on FSM and Meals (FSM) and white British boys workless household, poor their peers. parenting skills/engagement, poor not eligible for FSM. Across The principal proxy measures of success in relation to these targets will be: housing; Cheshire the average gap is 29% for • Attainment and contextual value Added for Looked after children at the end of English level 4+ and 23% for • Appropriateness of curriculum – primary and secondary school; mathematics level 4+. It rises to its poor standard of teaching and • Attainment and contextual value added for white British boys on Free School highest point of a 42% gap in one learning; Meals in Blacon, Lache ward and Crewe at the end of primary ( Key Stage 2) area. The other significant area is and secondary school (Key Stage 4). looked after children their • Motivation and aspiration within the target groups. achievement is well below the norm Associated National Indicators for their peers, albeit comparing well The result we want for our children, NI 73 Achievement at level 4 or above in both English and Maths at Key with the national figure for children young people and families is that: Stage 2 (Threshold) in care. GCSE Results for Cheshire • The gap in educational Looked After Children 2007: NI 102 Achievement gap between pupils eligible for free school meals and achievement is progressively their peers • 1+ A*-G: 66% (peers 99%) narrowed between children and NI 74 Achievement at level 5 or above in both English and Maths at Key • 5+ A*-G: 46% (peers 94%) young people in the targeted Stage 3 (Threshold) groups and their comparators, • 5+ A*-C: 14% (peers 64%) NI 106 Young people from low income backgrounds progressing to higher so that they achieve and education Raising the educational achievement fulfil their potential. in Targeted Groups, schools and NI 75 Achievement of 5 or more A*-C grades at GCSE or equivalent communities will focus on meeting including English and Maths (Threshold) this challenge by overcoming and NI 99 Children in care reaching level 4 in English at Key Stage 2 removing a number of barriers that NI 100 Children in care reaching level 4 in Maths at Key Stage 2 prevent our targeted groups from achieving to the level of their potential. We are working to understand better the information behind the results but we believe the causes are likely to include:

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 39 Year 1 Targets Years 2/3 Direction of Travel EA2 Increasing all Children & in Physical and Creative activities Have in place baseline data, step Have in place baseline data, outside school will focus on meeting Young People’s opportunities changes identified and an action common delivery plans and some this challenge by gathering up to plan to achieve these, to deliver measurable improvement to to participate in Physical and date evidence for levels of Creative activities outside school participation amongst children and against and communicate to our equalise the opportunities to There are more and more young people in physical and partners (taking into account East access physical and creative opportunities for young people to creative activities. This will identify and West Cheshire needs). The activities. participate in challenging and those groups/areas that are ‘weak ‘Stuff2do’ website will be Expect to hit improvement targets creative activities within school spots’ and inform the planning for launched. amongst those groups of children through sport and culture. But interventions to make a difference in and young people identified in listening to young people the years two and three. As we move Year One as having the most message is that they want more to towards providing opportunities for limited opportunities to access do outside school. those currently under-using services, sporting and creative activities, with there may be a need to disinvest in sustainability programmes in place. The government has made a other areas. commitment that children and The principal proxy measures of success in relation to these targets will be: Robust data collection and analysis young people should have access • An increase in the percentage of children and young people engaged in to Five hours of Sport and Culture is required in year one to ensure that performance and outcomes can be physical and creative activities (with a specific focus on children with physical each week. Delivering this in or learning disabilities, from geographically or financially disadvantaged Cheshire is a colossal undertaking measured effectively. The aim of the data collection is to provide current backgrounds, and the children of economic migrants); and will require a commitment of all • An increased number of looked after children participating in these activities. members of the Trust. Our starting information that can identify small point is to quickly appraise the target groups through specific Associated National Indicators current position of availability and combinations of demographic evidence to allow us to say to what profiling. This type of survey is also NI 57 Children and Young People’s participation in high quality PE and extent disadvantage, ethnicity, a requirement for the Extended sport. geography or other potentially Schools Five Hour offer. Once NI 110 Young People’s participation in positive activities “I want lower limiting factors impact upon current data is available a baseline participation in physical and creative ‘norm’ will be established against activities. Based on listening to which comparisons can be made for young people, access to transport, different groups of children and The result we want for our children, • That increased numbers of transport costs so family income and attitude all young people, helping to identify young people and families is: children and young people are supported to take those influence such participation, but this under and over provision and • That all children and young opportunities (through accessible needs to be tested further to check if informing judgements regarding people have the opportunities to information, transport and this is consistent. future interventions. access high quality physical and infrastructure). Increasing all Children & Young creative activity (through sports, People’s opportunities to participate active recreation, arts, museums and libraries);

40 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust “I want lower transport costs so I can easily get around to mates’ houses, events and fun places” Scott “I hope that in my town there will be more things for kids my age” Becky Year 1 Targets Years 2/3 Direction of Travel EA3 Improve opportunities and varied range of services for example Improved educational progress of Year on year improvement of outcomes for children with the use of school facilities to pupils with special educational progress measured by disabilities develop break opportunities as part needs to ensure that it is at least value-added between key stages, enabling disabled children to access in-line and often better than alongside consistent narrowing of Our aspiration in terms of learning Extended Services. and achievement is for more expectations. Agreed three year the gap in key measures of children with Learning Difficulties The result we want for our children, strategy for enhancing short-break attainment at age 11, 14 and 16. and Disabilities to achieve at ‘above young people and families is that: provision. expectations’ in terms of their • Every disabled child can have the Increasingly integrated assessment progress made over time. A further best possible start in life, and the and provision for children with priority is to ensure the quality and support they and their families disabilities, where service delivery range of short breaks for children need to make equality of has been strongly influenced by (and their carers) is expanded to opportunity a reality, allowing families, resulting in good provision meet their changing expectations each and every child to fulfil their of information and transparent and needs. potential; levels of support Improve opportunities and • Access and empowerment – The principal proxy measures of success in relation to these targets will be: outcomes for children with flexible and tailored provision and • Satisfaction across families’ general experience of services disabilities will concentrate efforts on involvement in package design. • Contextual Value-Added to demonstrate improving rates of educational establishing a multi-agency progress over time; infrastructure around individual • Increased access to and satisfaction with short-break care for children and children and schools. For some young people with disabilities. children this may draw in short- break or residential placements Associated National Indicators planned coherently between education, social care and health. NI 54 Services for disabled children NI 104 The Special Educational Needs (SEN)/non-SEN gap – achieving Our short-break and respite care Key Stage 2 English and Maths threshold services will need to change, as we develop more innovative and NI 105 The Special Educational Needs (SEN)/non-SEN gap – achieving 5 A*-C GCSEs including English and Maths different arrangements both in the home and outside. We will listen to parents and children when developing these new approaches. Trust members will need to commit to reshaping their current services so we can commission a more

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 43 EA4 Improve value added and Literacy Development Project) is Analysis of the performance data progress in all key stages ranked equal first within the country. indicates that some schools and pupils/students are not making the Children and young people in Improvement in provision is strong expected progress. There are Cheshire continue to reach higher in the early years and Foundation particular schools where the Value than average standards at all key Stage, where the integrated services Added scores are low despite strong stages. However, the challenge in children’s centres are making an headline results at the end of key (as acknowledged in our APA 2007) impact and the gap is narrowing at stages. Performance in the primary is one of raising the achievement this point. However, the areas with phase has stalled and schools within of children and young people further the lowest FSP outcomes in 2007 in bottom quartile for Value Added are and the value added achieved by Personal, Social and Emotional being targeted for bespoke our schools. Development and Communication, interventions through the LA and the Language and Literacy were Blacon, Significant progress has been made National Strategies joint plan. Crewe, Lache, Ellesmere Port, where it was needed most, in our Winsford and Northwich. The result we want for our children, secondary schools and sixth forms. young people and families is: Development of the 14–19 Strategy Notably some schools with low has made outstanding progress and Value Added are located in areas • Smoother transition from the concerted efforts across education with positive socio-economic Foundation Stage to Key Stage 1, and its partners are bearing fruit to indicators and there are also schools Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3 to the extent that the gap between the in areas of high deprivation where secure good progress and pupil performance of children and young both the Value Added and attainment well-being across all phases; are below national expectations. people in Cheshire and that of their • Raised attainment across all peers at national level has been Improve value added and progress phases particularly in schools with arrested. Cheshire secondary in all key stages will focus on low CVA and poor conversion schools performed better than meeting the challenge to have high rates; secondary schools nationally in attaining schools with high Value • Improved progress and several important respects in 2007. Added by tackling underachievement attainment for pupils on Free in schools that have pupils and Analysis of the 2007 results for School Meals by narrowing the students with the potential to do schools however indicates that gap with peers not on Free much better. Better use of data, progress has faltered in primary School Meals (Cross reference to sharper targeting of groups at risk of schools, albeit inspection findings Narrowing the Gap service underachieving and quality teaching continue to be highly positive and specification). the results of Cheshire’s pilot project and learning are required in order to to promote early reading and writing improve outcomes for children and (the Communication Language and young people.

44 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust Year 1 Targets Years 2/3 Direction of Travel Associated National Indicators Reduce the number of schools The majority of pupils/students to NI 72 Achievement of at least 78 points across the Early Years Foundation whose Contextual Value Added be making or exceeding expected Stage with at least 6 in each of the scales in Personal Social and and Value Added is significantly progress across all Key Stages. Emotional Development and Communication, Language and Literacy below national averages. PSA 10 All pupils/students in target areas/ NI 73 Achievement at level 4 or above in both English and Maths at Key Stage schools to make rapid progress 2 and achieve at or above national NI 74 Achievement at level 5 or above in both English and Maths at Key Stage expectations. 3 The principal proxy measures of success in relation to these targets will be: NI 75 Achievement of 5 or more A*-C grades at GCSE or equivalent including English and Maths • Attainment in Key Stage tests improves – school and LA targets are met or exceeded year on year; NI 83 Achievement at level 5 or above in Science at Key Stage 3 • Conversion rates Key Stage 1 to 2 , Key Stage 2 to 3 and Key Stage 3 to 4 NI 87 Secondary school persistent absence rate improve; NI 92 Narrowing the gap between the lowest achieving 20% in the Early Years • The attainment gap between pupils/students on FSM and non FSM narrows Foundation Stage Profile and the rest PSA 11 year on year; NI 93 Progression by 2 levels in English between Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 • CVA improves overall but particularly in schools with low CVA and poor NI 94 Progression by 2 levels in Maths between Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 conversion rates; NI 95 Progression by 2 levels in English between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 • Improved pupil/student transition and progress between phases is maintained NI 96 Progression by 2 levels in Maths between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 and sustained i.e. most pupils make the expected 2 levels progress per NI 97 Progression by 2 levels in English between Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 Key Stage (1-3); NI 98 Progression by 2 levels in Maths between Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 • The number of schools with below floor targets reduce. NI 99 Looked after children reaching level 4 in English at Key Stage 2 NI 100 Looked after children reaching level 4 in Maths at Key Stage 2 NI 101 Looked after children achieving 5 A*-C GCSEs (or equivalent) at Key Stage 4 (including English and Maths) N106 Young People from low income backgrounds progressing to higher education

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 45 “I wish everyone could have their say” Hayley Make a Positive Contribution PC1 Young People’s Young People’s involvement in The many services that consult with involvement in positive positive activities and participation children and young people will activities and participation as influencers and decision makers continue to be co-ordinated and will focus on meeting this challenge joined up via the Children and as influencers and by establishing and reviewing Young People’s Involvement Group decision makers current practice and getting (ChYPIG) organisations to adopt new Young people are increasingly The result we want for our children, approaches and different actively involved in decision-making young people and families is that: – but our information tells us that arrangements for engagement and disadvantaged young people are participation. Setting baselines and • Children and young people feel less likely to be involved in service targets for participation in this area they have a say in matters that design, consultation or decision is difficult and perhaps the only way affect them particularly those that making. We have worked hard to we can judge impact is by samples are often excluded from such improve opportunities for our looked of Young People telling us that opportunities; after children and while the focus things are good and or have • There is a range of different must remain on them it must also improved. opportunities for young people to consider particularly Disabled Our initial focus is on young people get involved in democratic Children, those not using and the new integrated youth processes; mainstream youth or children’s support service will lead in enabling • Children and young people enjoy services and young offenders. the voice of young people aged taking part in consultations and Consultation with Children and 13-19 to be heard in decision decision-making. Young people in 2007 identified a making. We need to further develop need to produce comprehensive the mechanisms for ensuring those on-line information about activities targeted children aged up aged up for them to become involved in. to 12 have the opportunities of their In addition to the issues above older peers. young people expressed frustration Now is a good time to be developing at the poor media coverage of all the new approaches as the set up of the great things that they do. Negative new Authorities offers opportunities to stereotyping of children and young influence structures and practically, people they say is creating the for example, involve young people wrong impression. in recruitment processes.

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 47 Year 1 Targets Years 2/3 Direction of Travel Establish an approach to setting Systematic involvement some targets and activity baselines opportunities and activities are across the Trust. developed across Trust member organisations. Convene the Children in Care Council. There is an equivalent to the Place survey set up that involves children Launch the Children and Young and young people and represents People’s Charter. their views on issues that affect them. Target children and young people Increase the number of children are participating in consultation, and young people involved in school service design, delivery and councils and youth parliament. monitoring. Establish arrangements for Ch and The Hear by Rights Audit tool YP involvement in Children’s Trust completed by Trust members. arrangements. 100% of children and young people in care given the opportunity to be involved in influencing and decision making activities. The principal proxy measures of success in relation to these targets will be: • The proportion of children and young people, especially those who are underrepresented that take part in decisions about service design, delivery and monitoring improves; • Increase the number and range of consultation and participation opportunities available to young people; • Widespread launch and recognition of the Children and Young People’s Charter; • A visible and active commitment is made to involving children and young people by the Trust. Associated National Indicators NI 110 Young people’s participation in positive activities: Local Area Agreement Target

48 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust Year 1 Targets Years 2/3 Direction of Travel PC2 Increasing pro Social There are a number of prevention Bring down further offending rates Explore alternatives to using Behaviour: ensuring Children programmes that are geographically of Looked after children. criminal justice sanctions like and young people stay out of located as a result of analysis of first restorative arrangements where time entry data. The data tells us Sustain downward trend in the trouble appropriate. while actual numbers have reduced number of first time entrants to Those that enter the criminal justice in some of these areas the Criminal Justice System. Ensure that CAF is picking up and system are likely to re-offend and tackling those at risk of offending proportion of all offenders remains Reduce the rate of proven the further into the system that they and developing prevention in those places. Alcohol and re-offending. progress the more likely re-offending substance misuse are significantly programmes are linked with becomes. For many that offend causal in many offenders lives and existing arrangements of YIP, YISPs access to education, training or this is apparent in the first time and Parenting. employment is a problem. entrants analysis, which shows Increase targeted positive activities In Cheshire the proportion of looked criminal damage and assaults as the in areas with the highest offending after children who are offenders main offences for what is rates. relative to numbers of all young predominantly young men. The principal proxy measures of success in relation to these targets will be: people offending are high (amongst The result we want for our children, • Reduce the number of children and young people committing crime in the highest in the country). young people and families is that: The ratio of Looked after children Cheshire and particularly the number of first time entrants to the Criminal justice system; offending compared to all young • They will get involved in positive people had been an upward activities stay out of trouble and • Reduce the proportion of looked after children who are involved in crime; trajectory since 2002. Actions taken not break the law; • Reduce the rate of proven re-offending by young offenders; saw the trend reversed but it • Once young people have • Increase the number of activities available to young people and increase the proportion who take up of these opportunities particularly by those at risk of remains a major issue and we need offended they will not re-offend entering the criminal justice system. to focus to reduce these offending the prevention of offending and rates through targeted and reduction of re-offending by Associated National Indicators sustained interventions and young people. diversionary activities. NI 19 The rate of proven re-offending by young offenders NI 111 The number of first time entrants to the youth justice system Increasing pro Social Behaviour aged 10-17: Local Area Agreement Target and ensuring children and young NI 110 Young people’s participation in positive activities: Local Area people stay out of trouble will focus Agreement Target on the challenge of reducing the numbers of young people either entering the criminal justice system or re-offending by providing targeted activities local to the young people.

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 49 Year 1 Targets Years 2/3 Direction of Travel PC3 Reducing alcohol, smoking The primary focus of Reducing Appraise current services impact Reduce the proportion of young and substance use/misuse Alcohol Smoking and Substance on reducing use and misuse – people frequently using illicit drugs, misuse will be on prevention and The negative impact of alcohol and establish agreement on Trust alcohol, or volatile substances. early intervention, targeting cohorts drugs and other volatile substances approach to tackling alcohol of vulnerable children and young Linking drug and alcohol related such as gas, glue and solvents are misuse. people and communities. Parents, intervention strategies to the national and local concerns and carers and families have been Increase parental engagement in findings from CAF. there are challenges in relation to identified as having a key role in tackling drugs and alcohol use. accessibility, availability and preventing problematic alcohol use affordability which cut across all The principal proxy measures of success in relation to these targets will be: amongst young people – and we ages, communities and public • To reduce the proportion of children and young people (aged from 10 up to need to do more to get them services. Tackling the issues of and including 15 years old) reporting the frequent use of substances; involved and take responsibility for substance misuse is associated with • Looked after Children’s substance use should be no worse than their educating and supporting their own universal, targeted and specialist non-looked after peers; children and young people. services. The theme is prevention of • Percentage of schools participating in the National Healthy Schools Programme; misuse and this relates to the full The development of more effective • Reduce the number of first time and repeat Youth offenders where alcohol is range of interventions from provision for young people who are an aggravating factor in the offence. education, support and enforcement either at risk of or already misusing – each need to play together for us alcohol will require an increase in Associated National Indicators to make a sustained difference. the levels of knowledge and skills NI 115 Substance misuse by young people amongst the young people’s The connectivity between offending, workforce to deal with the issues violence, anti social behaviour/ that cause misuse and the For those where a problem exists we The result we want for our children, disorder and alcohol is hugely consequences of it. Building on know there is more we can do to young people and families is that: significant. There is a continuing rise existing targeted services for those support transitional arrangements to in the number of offenders and • Children and young people avoid at risk e.g. Looked After Children, help young people into and out of victims where alcohol is cited as a the harms associated with alcohol young offenders, NEET is equally as drug treatment services for example key factor. Significantly the negative misuse in order to achieve their important. when leaving to prevent them impact of alcohol on Children and full potential; returning to problems – ensuring young people’s lives is frequently there are education, employment, • Reduce the proportion of young the result of misuse by their parent/s training and/or continuing other people frequently using illicit and or carers. For children’s social appropriate treatments/support drugs, alcohol, or volatile care alcohol is an issue in almost services available. substances. 25% of all open cases and in 55% of incidents where domestic abuse is reported alcohol is ‘involved’.

50 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust “for where I live to be tidier and have no litter” Jennifer “I hope no one has to live in poverty” Alex Achieve Economic Wellbeing Year 1 targets Years 2/3 direction of travel EWB1 Full entitlement to that the levels of participation for The levels of participation for Standards of achievement for education and curriculum – children and young people in children and young people in children and young people in targeting vulnerable education and training up to 19 education and training up to 19 education and training up to 19 continue to increase, especially for Young People continues to increase, especially continue to increase, and in children and young people from for Ch and YP vulnerable to particular, narrow the attainment There is evidence in Cheshire vulnerable groups such as looked that vulnerable learners are poorest outcomes. gap in education especially for after children, Young Offenders and children and young people from disproportionately less likely to be in The level of engagement and Teenage Parents. For example we vulnerable groups. education, employment or training. are involved in a Regional retention in education and training Their complex and multiple needs collaboration to develop an up to 19 increases especially for Continuing reductions in the challenge current arrangements integrated apprenticeship scheme Ch and YP vulnerable to poorest numbers of children and young which need to become more flexible for LAC and Care Leavers outcomes. people who are NEET and for to address their needs effectively. levels of exclusions at Key Stage 4 The result we want for our children, to decrease. For Teenage Parents: Only 34% of young people and families is that: 16-19 year old mothers in Cheshire The principal proxy measures of success in relation to these targets will be: are in EET. The challenge is to find • Our most vulnerable Children and young people have the right skills • Increase % of young people from vulnerable groups achieving L2 qualifications acceptable ways of engaging them by age 19; in appropriate EET with appropriate as they become adults and move into further/higher education, or • Increase % of young people from vulnerable groups achieving L3 qualifications support to ensure that they are set by age 19; into work successfully; on the path to success and avoid • Increase % of young people from vulnerable groups achieving poverty of aspiration and • New opportunities and 5+ A*-C grades including English and Maths; achievement The figures are equally approaches to learning and • Decrease % of young people NEET. poor for Looked after Children and training such as Diplomas and Young offenders our overall Apprenticeships are available and Associated National Indicators performance falls a long way short accessible to our target children. NI 45 Young offenders in suitable education, employment, training of the target of 90% in education, NI 90 Take up of 14-19 learning diplomas employment or training NI 117 16 to 18 year olds who are not in education, training or employment Full entitlement to education and NI 148 Care leavers in employment, education or training curriculum – targeting vulnerable NI 17 16 to 18 year olds who are not in education, employment or training young people will focus on meeting this challenge by developing strategies and plans to ensure that every child has their full entitlement to the 14-19 Learner Entitlement as outlined in the 14-19 Strategy and

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 53 Year 1 targets Years 2/3 direction of travel EWB 2 Tackling Worklessness Lone Parents aims to achieve a All Phase one and two Job Centre Plus services across all Children’s in families where there are decrease in all claimant rates in the Children’s Centre staff to Centres and staff to be actively influencing children targeted ward and an increase in the have full knowledge of the growth of local childcare to increase the: take up of “In Work” Benefits There is a strong correlation JCP services to enable • availability of childcare during school between family worklessness and The result we want for our children, them to support JCP holidays; delivering within risks to children’s economic well­ young people and families is: • availability of childcare for children over 11 Children’s Centres. years. being outcomes – particularly in • To reduce the proportion of lone parent families. Work is the An increase in the Continuing increase in: children living in households number of lone parents best route out of poverty for most where no one is working & • the number of lone parents accessing work parents and their children; and accessing work and and training; increase the number of children in training in targeted tackling worklessness amongst • the take up of In Work Benefits; lower income working families areas. families in Cheshire to address this using formal childcare; • the take up of formal childcare; is a priority for all partners. An increase in the take • Reduce inequalities for children in up of In Work Benefits. resulting in 70% Lone Parent Employment. The smooth integration and workless households; An increase in the take Continuing reduction in the proportion of implementation of New Services to • reduce welfare dependency and up of formal childcare workless households – second Phase of New Lone Parents is pivotal, as well as increase economic competitiveness and reduction in the Services for Lone Parents fully integrated. more support to help lone parents by helping people to work proportion of workless Overall Reduction of numbers of children sustain and progress in wherever they can. households. dependant on workless benefits. employment. Extra help needs to be given to unemployed parents and The principal proxy measures of success in relation to these targets will be: families on low incomes where one • Reaching a 70% employment rate for lone parents; is a wage earner. The Cheshire • Increase the overall employment rates to 80%; challenge is to address the • Increase the take up of in work benefits; difference in outcome within certain • Increase the take up of formal childcare by lower income families; targeted wards. • Improvement of children reaching a good level of development at the end of Tackling Worklessness in families foundation stage and reduction of inequalities between the level of development achieved by children in the 20% most disadvantaged areas. where there are children will focus on achieving an increase in the take Associated National Indicators up of Childcare and return or start work services to increase in the NI 116 Proportion of children in poverty numbers of Lone Parents accessing NI 118 Take up of formal childcare by low-income working families employment or training. The NI 151 Overall Employment rate (working-age) introduction of the new services for NI 152 Working age people on out of work benefits NI 153 Working age people claiming out of work benefits in the worst performing neighbourhoods

54 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust “I want more options for people to get jobs” Mary “I wish one day to move out and get my own place and be independent” Kirsty Year 1 targets Years 2/3 direction of travel EWB3 Employers Employers’ engagement and Increased and improved Young people in Cheshire to have access to engagement and support support for 14-19 developments will access to safe, meaning­ increased number of high quality for 14-19 developments focus on meeting this challenge by ful and monitored work apprenticeships. establishing a cohesive and related learning Employers have a critical role to play coherent employer engagement More young people, especially those in the successful delivery of the 14 -19 experiences, including considered most at risk of poor outcomes strategy and strengthening links with appropriate provision for service reform; achieving progress is key partner agencies and employer entering employment as a result of improved dependent on increasing the number the most vulnerable such collaboration between partner agencies. bodies, focusing on needs of as Children in Care and and range of work -based and work - Young People accessing an enhanced range different sizes and nature of those with Disabilities. related learning opportunities. businesses. We will seek to of Work based Learning and Work Related Cheshire has issues to address encourage the relocation of Young people able to Learning opportunities, including learning regarding meeting rural needs and businesses to rural areas whilst access diplomas linked to diplomas introduced in 2009. overcoming practical barriers to making provision in these areas for scheduled for roll-out in young people entering employment 2008, with appropriate A continued increase in the number of young transporting young people to work people progressing to further and higher and training opportunities and (e.g. Wheels to Work). and sufficient WRL and gaining the commitment from WBL opportunities education. employers to participate with The result we want for our children, actively supported by Young People accessing an enhanced range engagement activities. young people and families is that: employers. of WBL and WRL opportunities, including We are seeking to engage with a • Improved work related learning Achievement of level 2 learning linked to diplomas introduced in 2010. wider range and number of employers opportunities for pre -16’s including and 3 attainment targets. Achievement of L2 and L3 attainment targets. in Cheshire to ensure our young work experience placements to Achievement of NEET Continuing improvement in Employment people are successful in the world of embed employability skills and Targets (Jan 2009). Education and Training figures. work by increasing the number of better prepare young people for apprenticeships and jobs with the world of work; The principal proxy measures of success in relation to these targets will be: training. Of particular importance for • Progression routes through to • More apprenticeships, jobs with training; pre-16s and where employer more apprenticeships and better • Fewer NEET young people; support is essential, are alternative jobs with training. • Meeting targets and priorities set by the Employment and Skills Board; curriculum projects (especially • Attainment targets at Level 2 and 3. directed towards the most vulnerable) and the new diplomas. Associated National Indicators NI 79 Achievement of a Level 2 qualification by the age of 19 PSA 10 NI 80 Achievement of a Level 3 qualification by the age of 19 PSA 10 NI 81 Inequality gap in the achievement of a Level 3 qualification by the age of 19 NI 82 Inequality gap in the achievement of a Level 2 qualification by the age of 19 NI 117 16-18 year olds not in education, employment or training – Cheshire LAA Target

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 57 Year 1 targets Years 2/3 direction of travel EWB4 Support homeless responding to the need for: joint Implement a Night stop End use of bed and breakfast and vulnerable young people assessments to be completed by scheme to which young accommodation for all 16 and 17 year olds; and families with Children’s Services and Housing people have access; increase awareness of homelessness teams with particular regard to dependent children agree methodology for prevention options; all schools to provide families and children leaving care; Young people are significantly over joint assessments; education on homelessness. establishing multi-agency improve partnership represented in those who are Have a mechanism in place for the arrangements to improve the quality working. homeless or threatened with of services to them. A school based assessment of the accommodation needs of homelessness. Parental eviction education programme on Implement findings from care leavers. continues to be one of the main homelessness to aid early homeless families reasons for homelessness across intervention and prevention is research. Cheshire. Insufficient suitable planned and discussions are The principal proxy measures of success in relation to these targets will be: accommodation means too many underway for the development of a young people are still being placed • Elimination of the use of bed and breakfast for vulnerable young homeless Cheshire Nightstop scheme to people and families with dependent children except in emergencies; in B&B accommodation. Children provide safe emergency living in temporary accommodation • An increase in the number of cases where homelessness is prevented as a accommodation for homeless young result of effective early intervention; are some of the most disadvantaged people. and most at risk of social exclusion. • Improve the availability of mediation and counselling services; The result we want for our children, • Ensure that sufficient supported housing is available for vulnerable young The approach to tackling youth young people and families is that: homeless people and families with dependent children when that need is homelessness is variable across identified and that adequate move on arrangements are in place to help Cheshire and while there are • Wherever possible homelessness people to resolve their long term housing situation; pockets of very good practice there is prevented for young vulnerable • Reduction in number of care leavers or former care leavers in unsuitable is no uniformity of approach. For people and families with children; accommodation. looked after children that are leaving • To ensure that the support needs care the quality of accommodation of vulnerable young homeless Associated National Indicators is still too mixed and often people and homeless families NI 157 Care leavers in suitable accommodation inappropriate. One of the challenges with dependent children are met; NI 62 Stability of placements of looked after children: number of placements for the new unitary authorities will be • A reduction in the use of bed and to develop an approach that builds breakfast accommodation for on existing best practice to tackling vulnerable young homeless youth and family homelessness. people and families with children; Support homeless and vulnerable • Young people in care are assured young people and families with of suitable accommodation and dependant children will focus on related support on leaving care. meeting this challenge by

58 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust Year 1 targets Years 2/3 direction of travel EWB5 Excellent Information, Excellent Information, Advice and All learning providers to be A full on line prospectus in place Advice and Guidance Guidance will focus on meeting this engaged in developing their supporting a common application challenge by identifying areas where Non participation in education, performance towards the National system for further education and IAG provision and vulnerable groups employment or training (NEET) after IAG Standards for the full range of training opportunities. of children and young people need compulsory education is a major information, advice and guidance most support (not necessarily the Integration of Quality Awards relating predictor of later unemployment, low delivered by all professionals areas of highest NEET) and to to information, advice and guidance. income, involvement in crime and working in partnership within their improve the provision and take-up of poor mental and physical health. organisation. Collective delivery of excellent IAG excellent IAG in those areas and for relating to a personalised Access to excellent information, advice Joint development planning in those groups. curriculum and to all diploma lines and guidance (IAG) is essential to place for IAG, and key targets set. enable young people to make well We will produce area development and other pathways available. informed and realistic choices about plans and ensure cooperation of all The principal proxy measures of success in relation to these targets will be: their future career and also other key partners in the implementation of • A higher number of young people entering and remaining in education, decisions, such as lifestyle, sexual planning. We will ensure that the employment or training and achieving success; development of IAG features in all health or finance. Currently, the • Young people and their parents and carers express satisfaction that they have quality of information, advice and key improvement planning and that been provided with accurate, relevant, timely and impartial information and guidance on offer to young people information, advice and guidance for advice. across Cheshire is not fully clear. young people is accessible and appropriate for all age groups and Associated National Indicators No single agency is equipped to ability levels and fully utilises the deliver the full range of information, NI 117 16 to 18 year olds who are not in education, training or employment benefits of technology. advice and guidance needed by all NI 90 Take up of 14-19 learning diplomas young people; a coordinated and Every child and young person in NI 91 Participation of 17 year-olds in education or training collaborative approach is essential. Cheshire will have access to high There needs to be more evidence quality and impartial information, the additional information, advice, The result we want for our children, that all stakeholders appreciate the advice and guidance, including guidance and ongoing support they young people and families is: accessible web based information need to make and implement significant impact of excellent IAG • For all young people to have on the full range of issues which positive personal plans. on participation and attainment, access to excellent information, concern them, e.g. learning and understand their own responsibilities All providers of learning for the advice and guidance (IAG) which career progression, leisure in terms of IAG planning, delivery 11-19 age range will undertake a meets their needs; opportunities and lifestyle choices; and evaluation, and are working regular and systematic audit to and to advice and guidance • For all young people to be enabled towards delivering high quality ensure that information, advice and delivered by appropriately qualified to utilise IAG to develop and information, advice and guidance as guidance available to their learners staff at key decision making points implement successful and positive a collaborative venture, with clear meets nationally recognised in their lives. Young people who are transitional plans to adult life. development plans. standards, and will contribute to vulnerable or disadvantaged receive improvement planning.

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 59

Section 3 – Integration and System Change This section picks up the work-streams that represent major areas of development that underpin our work on the all priority outcomes.

MP1 Workforce development Cross-cutting Priority Areas: Managers and Leaders of Children’s and Reform • Workforce reform and and wider Creating a world-class workforce: modernisation; public services dentity an that has the right people, with the s•ha r Leadership,ed i d managementvision and right skills in the right place at the supervision;n values and l an ommo guag Early Years Education right time is a colossal undertaking – c • Investment in learninge and outcomes for chi the Children’s Services Workforce is d ondevelopment acrossldren the workforce; use and as diverse as it is vast. It includes alloc d working yo s f • Recruitmentrate p randact retentionun of the those (paid and/or unpaid in theu r nteg ices g Sports & Culture Health io i workforce; and pe av opriately t o Public, Private, Voluntary, Independenth appr rain p e •ty , Integrated workinged w across thele and Faith Sectors) whose workb ali or qu workforce;cused aroun d c kf Justice & Social, Family brings them into contact with fo hild or gh les re c i r•o Common workforcen datae systems Crime & Community Managerschildren, and youngLeaders people and families.h y acity to deliv & ar ap e yo Prevention Support t andc information.r u In Cheshireof Children’s our sights are set high n n e g and wider m p Youth and there are a number of priority e l e public services p o entity a areas for the next 12 months. p ed id nd vi m ar si l sh on o e c outcomes focus Core Children’s Workforce: People The Trust’s shared aim is to build a on values and lan omm guage who work or volunteer with children,Early Yearsworkforce thatEducation supports high levels c outcomes for chi young people and their families, who of achievement and success for d on ldren use and are responsible for their outcomes all children and young people in and oc d working yo s f rate pract un the time. out of school, supports families and ur nteg ices g Sports & Culture Health io i pe av opriately t o Wider Children’s Workforce: People carers in their role, and ensures that h appr rain p e ty, ed w le who work or volunteer with children, the workforce is able to reach and b ali or qu cused around c kf young people and their families partJustice engage& with Social,those Family who are most in fo hild or gh les re c of the time, or are responsible for i ro n e Crimeneed. This will& Community be achieved by h y acity to deliv & ar ap e yo their outcomes as part or their job.Prevention Support t c r u ensuring that all people who work or n n e g m p Figure 1 – The core and wider children’s Youth e volunteer with children, young l e workforce: everyone who works with children p o p m people and/or their families/carers l and young people and their families – or who o e c is responsible for their outcomes (Next Steps will have the best possible training, outcomes focus for the Children’s Workforce: DCSF 2008). qualifications, support and advice. Figure 2 – Creating a world class workforce for children, young people and families.

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 61 Year 1 Targets Years 2/3 Direction of travel A Definition of Workforce Achieve self assessment of Continue to bench mark progress, Parallel to this will be establishing Reform/Integrated Working: integrated working/ workforce identify areas of good practice the Integrated Common Core Induction programmes that are to be • Having enough people with the reform framework with all partner and/or collaboration required to developed and delivered by all right skills, knowledge and organisations and tested at the achieve appropriate standards of partners. The development of skills experience working together in local level. integrated working/ workforce reform, focused on identification around ‘work with parents’ will be flexible ways; Implement Hear by Rights and early intervention for all achieved through the delivery of • One workforce with shared framework to facilitate participation children and young people who high quality Parenting/Family values, language and purpose; and meaningful engagement of need additional help. Learning programmes. • Putting the voice and needs of children and young people and Workforce reform and successful children, young people and their families (CYPF) in all aspects Increased involvement at CYPF in development of integrated working families at the centre of their work, of integrated working/workforce the development and training of the will be underpinned by the leading to better services and reform. workforce, including in policy and implementation of the National better outcomes; priority planning with the Trust. Develop an agreed and consistent Professional Development • Integrated working is where common Children’s workforce Improved intelligence on the Framework for all those leading and everyone supporting children, dataset. children and young people’s managing Children’s Services young people and their families, workforce, based on an increase in Ensure that local integrated (DCSF 2008). work together effectively to put the availability of accurate, relevant children’s workforce strategies/ the child at the centre, meet their and comparable data. Implement The successful delivery of plans address and meet the need needs and improves their lives. Action Plan in line with Common Assessment, Multi Agency of providers of Children’s Services Prevention Teams, Targeted Youth The Trust is committed to agreeing recommendations outlined in the in the Third and Private Sectors. Support etc are dependent on new and implementing an Integrated State of the Children’s Workforce approaches, processes, skills and Workforce Strategy and Plan that DCSF March 2009. leadership skills that Workforce will set the direction of travel for the Continue to champion the development and reform is next 3 years. A specific focus jointly effective inclusion and recognition fundamental to. For more information with the LSCB is on ensuring safe of the third sector and the on the Workforce Development in recruitment practice is implemented volunteer workforce. Cheshire visit cheshireschildren.co.uk by all by Autumn 2009.

2 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust MP2 Joined up responses and working with an individual child. Reform will concentrate on the Multi-Agency Prevention Teams processes including CAF and Staff can then work with the child development of Multi Agency and family to complete a common Prevention Teams (MAPT’s) which "MJHOFE "OBMZ[F 1MBO ContactPoint )FBMUI assessment (CAF) that identifies will bring together professionals 1VSQPTF

HVJEBODF (BQ
BOBMZTJT The tradition of collaborative working needs clearly and helps partner from all sectors targeting children .BSLFU
BOBMZTJT $PNNJTTJPOJOH
TUSBUFHZ is strong but needs consolidating agencies to work together in identified though the CAF as 3FTPVSDF
BOBMZTJT 4FSWJDF
EFTJHO and clarifying. Our overall approach delivering an agreed support plan. vulnerable to poor outcomes. This 3JTL
BOBMZTJT 3FTPVSTF is consistently to prevent vulnerability approach will be the locus for our /FFEEFNBOE
GPSFDBTUJOH 6TFS
OFFET These are new approaches and the 1SPWJEFST through early recognition and action expectation is that all agencies in approach to Targeted Youth 9 putting the child at the centre of touch with children young people Support arrangements. $POUSBDU
NHU 5FOEFSJOH service delivery; and there are good 
3FWJFX $POUSBDU
NHU and their families will use and apply In the next year this will be examples of such working within them. A workforce analysis has developed in the 8 areas with the Children’s Centres and Youth shown that in Cheshire close to highest levels of need and referrals 4USBUFHZ
NPOJUPSJOH $IBOHF
NBOBHFNFOU $PNNVOJUZ 
3FWJFX #VEHFU

NBSLFU
NBOBHFNFOU Inclusion Support Panels. However, 6,000 staff will need training in the to specialist services. -PDBM
"VUIPSJUZ 7PMVOUBSZ these and other arrangements are use of CAF and ContactPoint and Under the co-ordination of a named 1SPGFTTJPOBMT 3FWJFX %P not systematic or co-ordinated nearly 30,000 will need to be aware sufficiently for it to be considered individual, each team will become of these processes and how they the hub for multi professional a system of prevention and early are used across services. Children’s Centre intervention that is for example responses in the identified areas. Each MAPT member will remain capable of delivering Targeted Cheshire is an Early Adopter of School substantively within their host Youth Support. ContactPoint; our planned ‘Go Live’ date, when the system will first be agency but will commit time to EIP Cluster ContactPoint and the Common available is October 2008. CAF is MAPT work. MAPT members are Assessment Framework (CAF) are already in use in some areas and a likely to include: MAPT absolutely critical to the development programme of cross agency training • Co-ordinator (FT); of new approaches to establishing aims to increase its use significantly joined up responses and better from 2008. • Connexions Personal Advisers; Locality • Primary Mental Health Workers; outcomes. Practitioners will aim to Such an overhaul of process needs identify at an early stage, any needs to be aligned with a reform of how • Education Welfare Officers; which may prevent a child achieving services are organised and from • School Nurses; the 5 outcomes described in the where they can be accessed (see • Learning Mentors; Every Child Matters agenda. MP4). Children’s centres are well on • Early intervention Family Support ContactPoint is designed to be a the way to making this reality with Workers; quick and simple way to enable staff our 0-5’s and arrangements for in any of the services working with children/young people (and their • Substance Misuse Workers; children to find out who else is families) aged 5-19 are next. • Police Officers.

9Targeted Youth Support aims to ensure that the needs of vulnerable teenagers are identified early and met by agencies working together effectively – in ways that are shaped by the views and experiences of young people themselves.

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 3 MP3 Voluntary Community This position complements the and Faith Sector (VCFS) continuing Workforce Development Development Champion for the Private Voluntary and Independent Sector and Faith The voluntary sector has an Sectors. important role to play in enhancing and improving children’s lives its The lead officer will work on behalf contribution is vast across Cheshire of the Hub and sector (as a whole) with a mixture of paid workers to ensure there is positive supported by thousands of engagement and representation of volunteers giving time to run clubs, views at major planning networks groups and activities ranging from and work streams. This is a small the play groups to Cubs and Guides but significant ‘net’ increase in and through to some specialist support for capacity building and information advice and support engagement although will need services. more resourcing to ensure the sector can maximise its participation Progress has been significant in the and value in the delivery of improved last 12 months. The development of outcomes. the VCFS Hub for children and families has progressed very well there has been good and growing Associated National support from across the sector for Indicators the ‘principle’ and the approach. The Hub now has a broad NI 7 Environment for a thriving third sector representative platform, constitution, terms of reference and 2 representatives that sit on the Trust. A development Plan has been agreed that covers financing, communication etc. In response to this Plan the Trust are funding a lead officer to work for the Hub for the next 12 months – a first for Cheshire.

4 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust MP4 Children’s Centres, the outcomes of all children under 5 In the short term 50% of all primary staff to ensure there are single Schools and Extended Services and to close the gap between the schools and 33% of all secondary points of service delivery; setting up most disadvantaged and their peers schools should achieve the full core data collection and performance We have described throughout the – increased emphasis is placed on offer by September 2008. We are on management systems to capture Plan some of the processes and reaching out to the more vulnerable track to meet this and at Secondary impact and outcomes and ensuring areas that will be reformed to deliver children and families. Phase 3 level this checkpoint position has there is continuity of offer in a given easier access to integrated help and planning is underway with the been achieved already. area between services aimed at services. Central to this are the capital programme due to be children of different ages. settings that will act as focal and To deliver the range of services completed by March 2011.The entry points for services and schools are increasingly acting with provisional government target is a opportunities. Our Children’s their Education Improvement Associated National total of 44 Centres (in Cheshire) by Centres, Schools and their extended Partnership, collaborating to jointly 2011. The majority of established Indicators services are pivotal to making commission services to ensure there Centres are in the West with the lion access swifter, easier and earlier for is some balance of offer across an NI 88 Number of Extended Schools share of required future children, young people and their area. Swift and easy access and NI 109 Number of Sure Start Children development in the East. families. Of central importance for Parenting Support remain the areas Centres the next period is the Trust, For Schools and Extended Services of the core offer that are most wherever possible, underwriting the the target is for all families to have difficult to set up and sustain and approach for schools and Children’s access to the full core offer by 2010, much of the development Centres to become the axis for which is: investment will be targeted at these over the next 3 years. The service access and delivery at the 1) Quality childcare 8am-6pm development of Multi Agency community level. all year round; Prevention teams and CAF are The Children Centre programme is 2) A varied menu of activities, instrumental in helping schools being rolled out nationally in three including study support; deliver this core offer. phases over the period 2004-2011. 3) Parenting support, including Challenges facing the development Phases 1 and 2 of the capital family learning; programme have been completed in and sustainability of services Cheshire and 31 Children’s Centres 4) Swift and easy access to a wide delivered through Children’s Centres were designated by March 2008 (in range of specialist support and (extended) Schools are similar if line with government targets and services; not in scale then type; recruiting timescales). Children’s Centres offer 5) Wider community access to ICT, sufficient staff with the appropriate a universal mainstream service sports and arts facilities including skill sets particularly those who can principally for children age 0-5 years adult learning. work with families that have the most and their families. However, in line complex needs, managing joint with the statutory duty to improve accommodation and co location of

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 5 Developing a Joint commissioning approach To develop this Plan the Trust has Plan The Trust has commissioned The approach to developing applied a commissioning approach against each of the priorities a this Plan is a good first step but it that has followed on from the last detailed specification that sets out remains a priority over the next review of the Children’s Plan. The the context and scale of the issues 6 months for an outline process moves through the four for Cheshire and accompanying commissioning strategy for the stages of Analyse, Plan, Do, Review challenges. Each specification also Children and Young People’s Trust taking account of need, outcomes, incorporates what is expected to be to be developed that incorporates: services and resources. The achieved in the next 1-3 years and 1) A Commissioning model for the ownership and underwriting of the the proxy indicators for success Children and Young People’s specifications and responses gives (including links to the national Trust to apply to redesign and the Trust a collective accountability indicators). for the priority and the response via joint investment; Do In response to each specification a commissioning process and this is 2) A competencies/skills review and a process of review follows – the a first for Cheshire. The work has action plan to ensure the model outcome of each is a multi agency been completed largely through the can be delivered. Business Unit and the 5 Outcome action plan for tackling the issues Sub Groups of the Trust. raised in the specification. orF a Commissioning proportion of these a Turning the Analyse The priorities covered later Curve (Results Based have been developed from a mixture "OBMZ[F 1MBO Accountability) session"MJHOFE will be used of approaches. We have listened to )FBMUI what children, young people, parents, to shape the next steps. 1VSQPTF

HVJEBODF (BQ
BOBMZTJT .BSLFU
BOBMZTJT $PNNJTTJPOJOH
TUSBUFHZ teachers and other professionals Review The final stage of the cycle 3FTPVSDF
BOBMZTJT 4FSWJDF
EFTJHO have said about how services are is to ensure there is ‘measurable 3JTL
BOBMZTJT 3FTPVSTF organised and delivered, we have improvements as a result of what /FFEEFNBOE
GPSFDBTUJOH 6TFS
OFFET acted on a continually refreshed has been put in place. This happens 1SPWJEFST analysis of need that has set out via an appraisal of outcomes and $POUSBDU
NHU 5FOEFSJOH how our population is changing activity. At Trust level a series of 
3FWJFX $POUSBDU
NHU alongside such issues as the extent report cards against each priority to which outcomes are improving and agreed indicators are presented 4USBUFHZ
NPOJUPSJOH $IBOHF
NBOBHFNFOU faster for some children than others. $PNNVOJUZ at regular intervals. -PDBM
"VUIPSJUZ 
3FWJFX #VEHFU

NBSLFU
NBOBHFNFOU We have also incorporated feedback 7PMVOUBSZ and guidance from Government 1SPGFTTJPOBMT 3FWJFX %P departments at a regional and national level.

 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust Section 4 – Targets and Managing Performance The Trust is ultimately accountable for the collective performance and the achievement of improved outcomes (albeit) individual agencies and organisations remain responsible for their contribution and performance. The Local Safeguarding Children Board will monitor the effectiveness of collaborative working to safeguard and promote the well-being of children and young people in Cheshire.

The Trust has agreed a set of • Reducing the rate of teenage Each Outcome area will create a priorities (covering specific conceptions; simple report card that sets out the development areas) and work annual targets and expectations for • Reducing the rate of obesity; streams (covering management and their group of priorities; these will process) that will be led by the • Young people not engaged combine to create an overall report Outcome Sub Groups and other in education, employment or card for the Trust and are available relevant boards and bodies on the training; at cheshireschildren.co.uk Trusts behalf. Their role is to make • Statutory education targets; sure that there is appropriate Acknowledgements partnership working in relation to • Substance misuse; Thanks go to the many individuals their focus and achievement. • Positive Activities; from lots of different services and agencies that have made The Government will use the new • First time entrants to Youth Justice contributions to this Plan. Particular National Indicator Set, the NHS Service. recognition should go to the Chairs Outcomes Framework, Local Area and members of the 5 Outcome Agreements and Comprehensive A summary of the Children’s Local Area Agreement Targets is in Sub groups who are responsible for Area Assessments to monitor our much of the content. progress and accordingly Outcome Appendix 5. and output targets are where Quarterly exception reports can be Thanks also to all the children and possible are being developed in line made to the Trust and there is an young people that have given up with the National Indicators for expectation more detailed progress their time to participate in Children and through the new Local updates at least 6 monthly. These consultations and events, especially Area Agreement. Targets in the outline briefly progress, risk those whose faces and views are Local Area Agreement include: management and the identification featured throughout. of further actions needed to achieve agreed outcomes.

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 7 Appendix 1

The Cheshire Children and Young People’s Trust $PNNVOJUJFT
PG
$IFTIJSF
1BSUOFSTIJQ Cheshire’s Children and Young 4) Integrated strategy (joint planning People’s Trust is a partnership of and commissioning): joint $IJMESFO
BOE
:PVOH
1FPQMFT
5SVTU -PDBM
4BGFHVBSEJOH Statutory and Voluntary agencies, assessment of local needs; $IJMESFO
#PBSE operating under the leadership of integrated planning to prioritise 1SPHSBNNFT
#PBSE the County Council to fulfil the areas for action; and joint Children’s Act 2004 ‘duty to commissioning of services from a cooperate’ requirements. There are range of providers supported by #F
)FBMUIZ 4UBZ
4BGF &OKPZ
BOE
"DIJFWF 1PTJUJWF
$POUSJCVUJPO &DPOPNJD
8FMMCFJOH #VTJOFTT
6OJU 5 core expectations of the Children’s pooled or aligned budgets. TVC
HSPVQ TVC
HSPVQ TVC
HSPVQ TVC
HSPVQ TVC
HSPVQ trust and they are: 5) Inter-agency governance: the $PSQPSBUF
1BSFOUJOH
#PBSE 1) Child-centred, outcome-led vision: cornerstone must be the creation the formulation of a compelling of a strong integrated governing 1SFWFOUJPO
BOE
&BSMZ
*OUFSWFOUJPO
#PBSE outcome-led vision for all children, board or structure representing all young people and their families. key delivery partners who work to improve the outcomes of children 2) Integrated front line delivery: and young people. delivery organised around the child, young person or family Shown in the table right is a list of rather than professional the Cheshire Children and Young boundaries or existing agencies. People’s Trust membership on 1 April 2008. A full breakdown of the 3) Integrated processes: effective duties and responsibilities of the joint working is sustained by a Trust are set out in the Governance common language and shared arrangements available at processes. This includes the use cheshireschildren.co.uk of the Common Assessment Framework, ContactPoint across agencies, effective information sharing arrangements and the re-engineering of other local processes and procedures to support joint working.

8 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust Cheshire County Council Joan Feenan Director Children’s Services (CHAIR) Cheshire County Council Cllr David Rowlands Lead Member for Children Ellesmere Port Borough Council Philip Hearfield Director of Operational Services Macclesfield Borough Council Helen Rowley Deputy Chief Executive Chester City Council Paul Gover Cultural & Communities Manager Vale Royal Borough Council Cathy Boyd Head of Strategic Partnerships Congleton Borough Council John Gerring Head of Healthy Communities Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council Su Turner Deputy Chief Executive Association Primary Head Teachers (CAPH) Val Cotterill CAPH Chair Association Secondary Head Teachers (CASH) Bill Evans CASH member Association Special School Head Teachers (CASSH) Dave Calvert CASSH Chair Cheshire Association of Governors Peter Gaskell Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service Philip Hales Community Safety Manager Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector Hub (VCFS) Dave Packwood Cheshire Youth Federation Chief Executive. Sue Conway VISYON Manager Cheshire County Council Children’s Services Anne Goldsmith County Manager Social Care Linda Brown County Manager Inclusion & Education

Sue Egersdorff County Manager Children & Families Cheshire Police Garry Shewan Assistant Chief Constable Cheshire Police Authority Moira Chapman Board member Learning & Skills Council John Barber Partnership Director Connexions Cheshire & Warrington Steve Hoy Chief Executive Central and Eastern & Western Cheshire PCT Neil Ryder Joint Commissioning Director Western Cheshire PCT Lizzie Wiffen Non-Executive Board Member Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT Dr Iain Purchase Non-Executive Board Member Public Health Wendy Meredith Director of Public Health Drug Area Action Tom Knight Manager Cheshire Colleges Consortium Meredydd David Principal Reeseheath College

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 9 Appendix 2

Mandatory requirements The Children and Young People’s 1) The integration of services and 2) Arrangements to safeguard and The vision of the LSCB is shared Plan Regulations 2007 place a duty arrangements for early promote welfare (under section with the Children’s Trust; that all to provide statements in the Plan as intervention and preventative 11(2) of the) Children Act 2004 children and young people have the to how they intend to deliver action right to: be healthy, happy, valued The Local Safeguarding Children improvements for children, young and respected, to have high Throughout the Plan there are clear Board (LSCB) represents the all people and families across the five aspirations for their future, and in references to the way in which the significant organisations that provide outcomes with an additional order to achieve these things, they integration of services provided by services to children and families. It is specific reference to: must also feel safe and loved. all relevant partners should improve not a sub group or peer of the the well-being of children and young Children’s Trust and has a level of people. Our approach goes across independence to enable it to hold the spectrum of need and services the Trust and its members to from universal to specialist. The account regarding safeguarding. intention is that over the lifetime of The priorities and Business of the this Plan there will be a step change LSCB are outlined in the Children’s in the arrangement of services Plan and there is a memorandum of particularly for those targeting understanding between the 2 setting vulnerable children. The process of out reporting and business links. identifying and assessing need will The LSCB has representation from be integrated through CAF and the County and District Councils, the ContactPoint and then along this Health Service, Police, Youth spine of process there will be a Offending Team, Connexions, local mixture of targeted support through Probation Service, Third Sector and Multi Agency Prevention Teams and the Children and Family Courts a blending of universal and targeted Advisory and Support Service. Their provision via extended services, objectives is to co-ordinate and children’s Centres and Integrated ensure the effectiveness of work that youth Support. Our schools will be is done in safeguarding and central to the identification and promoting the welfare of children delivery of the new arrangements. and young people under age 18 in Cheshire.

70 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust A key objective is to support The LSCB will also ensure that Performance management and parents, carers and families in all organisations that have a quality This sub group monitors the providing safe and stable homes for responsibility for supporting families key performance indicators in children and young people. Children in providing security, stability and relation to the work of the LSCB and and young people also need to feel care for children and young people partner organisations in keeping safe as they go about their work in are effective in the services that they children and young people safe, and schools and colleges and whilst provide. In order to oversee and will also commission audits and undertaking leisure and recreational support this work, the LSCB have a other pieces of work to monitor the activity in our leisure centres, number of sub groups, each chaired effectiveness of what is done. This extended schools, parks and sports by a Board Member, who will be will include reviews of cases when a clubs etc. In order to help achieve accountable to the Board for the work child or young person has been this, the LSCB will co-ordinate and of that group. The sub groups are: seriously harmed. monitor the effectiveness of work Engaging partners and community Training and development undertaken in ensuring that children This sub group supports This sub group ensures that there is and young people are: safe from organisations that have a duty to an effective training plan in place so maltreatment, neglect, violence and make arrangements to safeguard that all those working with children sexual exploitation and will support and promote the welfare of children and young people receive organisations that provide services and young people (Section 11 of the appropriate information and training to reduce the likelihood of children Children Act 2004), and will also in line with their needs and and young people suffering: provide information to families and responsibilities. 1. Accidental injury and death; the community generally about For more information: improving children and young 2. Bullying and discrimination; www.cheshire.gov.uk/ people’s safety. socialcareandhealth/children/LSCB 3. Crime and anti-social behaviour Policies and procedures in and out of school. This sub group ensures that there are effective policies and procedures in place for all organisations who are working in the field of safeguarding children and young people and ensure that those at greatest risk of harm are responded to quickly and effectively.

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 71 Appendix 3

Index of Multiple Deprivation 2007 by Lower Level Super Output Area: Cheshire has 44 areas falling within the 20% most deprived areas in England. This compares to 39 in 2004. It is valid to compare super output areas across this index. However, caution must be used when comparing values (including ranks) between this and the previous IMD 2004 Overall Lache Park L1 ranked 363 nationally makes it the most deprived Cheshire LLSOA. More information, including individual domain details can be found on lilac.cheshire.gov.uk

72 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust LLSOA District National Cheshire LLSOA District National Cheshire 2007 Rank 2007 Rank 2007 Rank 2007 Rank Lache Park L1 Chester 363 1 Rivacre Brook L4 Ellesmere Port & Neston 4,561 24 South Blacon L5 Chester 606 2 Westminster & Central L1 Ellesmere Port & Neston 4,810 25 West Winsford L2 Vale Royal 888 3 Macclesfield Town South L4 Macclesfield 4,978 26 Westminster & Central L4 Ellesmere Port & Neston 1,021 4 Whitby West L1 Ellesmere Port & Neston 5,004 27 North Blacon L3 Chester 1,679 5 South Winsford L3 Vale Royal 5,132 28 North Blacon L2 Chester 2,258 6 Whitby West L3 Ellesmere Port & Neston 5,340 29 St Barnabas L3 Crewe and Nantwich 2,459 7 South Blacon L2 Chester 5,342 30 West Winsford L3 Vale Royal 2,767 8 Chester Station L1 Chester 5,634 31 West Coppenhall & Grosvenor L4 Crewe and Nantwich 2,848 9 Wilmslow Town Dean Row & Macclesfield 5,639 32 East Winsford L3 Vale Royal 2,970 10 Handforth L4 Wolverham & Stanlow L2 Ellesmere Port & Neston 3,017 11 Upton & Westlea L1 Chester 5,678 33 West Coppenhall & Grosvenor L1 Crewe and Nantwich 3,148 12 West Coppenhall & Grosvenor L5 Crewe and Nantwich 5,725 34 Leftwich, Rudheath & Witton L3 Vale Royal 3,443 13 Central & Valley L5 Crewe and Nantwich 5,753 35 Alexandra L1 Crewe and Nantwich 3,633 14 East Coppenhall L4 Crewe and Nantwich 5,868 36 Rivacre Brook L2 Ellesmere Port & Neston 3,658 15 Rivacre Brook L1 Ellesmere Port & Neston 5,869 37 Central & Valley L1 Crewe and Nantwich 3,664 16 Winnington & North Witton L2 Vale Royal 5,921 38 Wolverham & Stanlow L1 Ellesmere Port & Neston 3,683 17 Chester Station L2 Chester 5,926 39 South Blacon L4 Chester 3,716 18 Wilmslow Town Dean Row & Macclesfield 5,955 40 Handforth L6 Winsford Central L2 Vale Royal 3,775 19 Westminster & Central L3 Ellesmere Port & Neston 6,022 41 East Coppenhall L2 Crewe and Nantwich 3,991 20 Frodsham L1 Vale Royal 6,091 42 St Barnabas L4 Crewe and Nantwich 4,212 21 Congleton East L3 Congleton 6,235 43 Wolverham & Stanlow L5 Ellesmere Port & Neston 4,311 22 Castle L2 Vale Royal 6,407 44 Wolverham & Stanlow L3 Ellesmere Port & Neston 4,326 23

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 73 Appendix 4

Glossary • BESD – Behavioural Emotional • IYSS – Integrated Youth Support • SCIE – Safeguarding Children in and Social Difficulties Service Education Team • CAF – Common Assessment • JAR – Joint Area Review • SEN – Special Educational Needs Framework • LA – Local Authority • TLC – Transforming Learning • CAMHS – Child and Adolescent Communities • LAA – Local Area Agreement Mental Health Services • TP – Teenage Pregnancy • LDD – Learning Difficulties and • CCC – Cheshire County Council Disabilities • TTS – Targeted Youth Support • CCYPT – Cheshire Children and • LSC – Learning and Skills Council • VCFS – Voluntary, Community Young People’s Trust and Faith Sector • LSCB – Local Safeguarding • DCSF – Department for Children, Children’s Board • WBL – Work based learning Schools and Families • LSP – Local Strategic Partnership • YIP – Youth Inclusion Programmes • DV – Domestic Violence • MAPT – Multi Agency Prevention • YISP – Youth Inclusion Support • EET – Education, Employment or Team Panels Training • NEET – Not in Education, • YOT – Youth Offending Team • EIP – Education Improvement Employment or Training Partnerships • YP – Young People • NWIN – Northwest Improvement • EWO – Education Welfare Officer Network • EWS – Education Welfare Service • PAYP – Positive Activities for • FFTB – Fischer Family Trust Young People Benchmark • PCT – Primary Care Trust • FTE – First Time Entrants • PEP – Personal Education Plan • GONW – Government Office • PHSE – Personal, Social and Northwest Health Education • IMD – Index of Multiple • PSED – Personal Social Emotional Deprivation Development • IRO – Independent Reviewing Officers

74 Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust Appendix 5 Cheshire Local Area Agreement Targets for Children and Young People Outcome LAA Targets Area Baselines Improvement Targets 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 Be Healthy NI 56 Obesity in primary school C/wide (2007) 17.1% 17.3% age children in Year 6 (DCSF West (2007) 17.9% 17.9% 17.8% 17.8% DSO) East (2007) 16.7% 16.7% 16.5% 16.2% Make a Positive NI 110 Young people’s C/wide TBC in the Tell Us Survey TBC Contribution participation in positive activities Autumn 2008 (PSA 14)* West TBC TBC TBC (SEE FOOTNOTE ‘1’ BELOW) East TBC TBC TBC Make a Positive NI 111 First time entrants to the C/wide (2007/08) 1078 TBC Contribution Youth Justice System aged 10-17 West (2007/08) 557 TBC TBC TBC (PSA 14) (SEE FOOTNOTE ‘2’ BELOW) East (2007/08) 521 TBC TBC TBC Make a Positive NI 112 Under age conception rate C/wide Baseline 1998 and progress - 32% Contribution (PSA 14) at 2007 is minus 15% West TBC TBC East TBC TBC Make a Positive NI 115 Substance misuse by C/wide TBC in the Tell Us Survey TBC Contribution young people (PSA 14) Autumn 2008 (SEE FOOTNOTE ‘1’ BELOW) West TBC TBC East TBC TBC Achieve Economic NI 117 16 to 18 olds who are not C/wide (2007) 4.7% 4.5% in education, employment and Wellbeing West (2007) 4.2% 4.1% 4.0% 3.9% training (NEET) (PSA 14) East (2007) 5.2% 4.8% 4.4% 4.1% FOOTNOTES: 1. NI 110 and NI 115: data for these indicators will not be available until December 2008 and targets will be negotiated at December refresh 2008/09. 2. NI 111, the Youth Justice Board data for this indicator will not be made available until December 2008 and targets will be negotiated at December refresh 2008/09.

Cheshire Children & Young People’s Trust 75 Further information For more copies of the Plan or information on any aspect of the contents please contact Rick Howell – 01244 973228 or [email protected] Photographs by Paul Cliff © Cheshire County Council

This publication is printed on environmentally friendly paper. G11037. Designed by Cheshire County Council Communications, Graphic Design 01244 973197.