Agenda and minutes

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In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no interests were declared.

To approve & sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 12 October 2016 be agreed as a correct record.

The Chair reported that Jane Whitmore was unable to attend the meeting, but had indicated she would be available to attend the February meeting of the CAC.

RESOLVED that the item be deferred to the next meeting.

David Bawden gave a verbal presentation outlining the background and basis to the Cynnydd Project which has been developed across the ERW region with Pembrokeshire Council being the lead Authority.

He indicated that the scheme has been fully operational since September 2016 and will run until 2019 under the current funding arrangements. The main aim of the project is to reduce the risks of young people becoming NEETS. He indicated that in Swansea the scheme is delivered through joint working between the Local Education Authority, Gower College and Careers Wales, and covers 11-24 year olds.

The main assistance for young people is being provided by the employment of Learning Coaches who are based across the various comprehensive schools in the City. These Learning Coaches work closely with and assist young people things like one to one help, catch up projects and literacy/numeracy assistance.

The mains aims of the project were outlined as reaching and engaging vulnerable young people, reducing NEETS and the gaining of qualifications.

The identification process for young people to access the scheme via their VAP score was outlined. The aim of the project is to offer assistance/courses which are above and beyond those currently available.

He detailed the different types of courses, both mainstream learning and alternative curriculum/vocational training that are available for young people to access. Careers Wales also support and assist young people into employment as part of the scheme.

He referred to both the need for proper measurement of achievements and for the appropriate completion of the monitoring forms to ensure the continuation of the schemes funding into the future.

Discussion also took place around the need for additional provision of Counselling and Mental Health Services for young people, this is major local, regionally and national issue. A new scheme called “Engage” which has been developed to assist in this area is currently awaiting funding approval.

Gavin Evans and Jo-Anne Walsh outlined that there is no one simple or straightforward template for assisting young people. A whole range of options/schemes/activities are available to young people across the city and the provision is very much based on individual needs.

They indicated that good progress has been made year on year in association with the DWP and Careers Wales to reduce the numbers of NEETs. They indicated a framework is in place from Welsh Government to assist but the Authority is taking the lead in Swansea in association with its key partners such as Schools, Gower College, Youth Justice & Voluntary Sector.

They detailed the key features to assist young people:-

·       Identifying of young people at risk

·       Better brokerage and support

·       Stronger tracking and transitions of young people through the system

·       Ensuring provision meets the needs of young people

·       Stronger employability skills and opportunities for employment

They outlined quality training, increased apprenticeships, better monitoring and measurement of achievement, progress and results as key areas for development but referred to the good practice already in place with partners such as Cynnyd and Careers Wales, and outlined current good examples of work experience, work based learning and CCS apprenticeships.

They referred to the development and success of the “Moving Forward Project” which has been run for the last 2-3 years and has targeted young people involved in both the youth justice and care systems. This involves a targeted approach with paid work experience and has proved very successful.

The scheme is looking to be incorporated into the new model going forward called the “Cam Nesa” project which is currently being developed through European funding for 16-18 year olds. This scheme will hopefully commence in April 2017 and build on the current examples of good practice that can be offered to young people.

The early identification of young people’s problems and needs was again highlighted by Members as a key factor going forward as issues when they get to 15/16 are far more difficult to address, and can often lead to further additional and more complicated problems.

RESOLVED that the Workplan be noted.