100 likes | 265 Views
Narrowing the Gap. Luton the local context. The Local Context. Luton has an estimated population of 202,000 (ONS figure 186,000) 25.1%, child poverty 4% higher than national figure 2.8% unemployment to national average 2.2%
E N D
Narrowing the Gap Luton the local context
The Local Context • Luton has an estimated population of 202,000 (ONS figure 186,000) • 25.1%, child poverty 4% higher than national figure • 2.8% unemployment to national average 2.2% • Children from low income areas poorest reported health, highest hospital admissions, highest mortality rates • 60% children from minority ethnic groups
Strategic Objectives for Children’s Services • Since Children & Young People’s Strategic Board was first established cross cutting priorities chosen • Imms & Vacs; vulnerable children; obesity; children with complex disabilities; teenage pregnancy; academic attainment all key stages; reduce rates of bullying; NEET • Strong partnership working at operational and strategic levels
Integration in Luton • Good progress on integrated processes – CAF; Lead Professional; Multi Agency Support Panels & School Liaison Meetings developing Team Around the Child; Care Co-ordination for disabled children; Information sharing; Care Pathways • Some multi disciplinary services e.g. Youth Offending Service • Next stage integrated neighbourhood teams • Advancing joint commissioning
Performance Improvement • Local Area Agreement contains 8 targets to improve outcomes in key areas and 16 mandatory education targets • Several local and national initiatives to improve outcomes including Narrowing The Gap • 2008 performance improved on a range of outcomes for children & young people
Our successes • Percentage of 16-18 year olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) improved from 9.4% in 2006-7 to 6.9% (May 2008) • Persistent absence from school were offered 20 hours or more a week alternative tuition • The proportion of fixed term exclusions for children with learning difficulties and/or disabilities is lower than SN and national averages
Our successes continued • Teenage pregnancy rates are now dropping at a faster rate than statistical neighbours • Steady improvement in educational attainment from low base line • Educational attainment of Children in Care good progress compared with statistical neighbours • Reduction in first time entrants into youth justice system • Almost all full day care settings inspected since Oct 2007 judged to provide good standard of education • Continuous development of participation of children & young people
Future challenges & focus for NTG • Improve outcomes from preventative services & reduce number of children in care in line with statistical neighbours • Continue to improve early years outcomes & complete Early Years Foundation Profile • Narrow gaps in educational attainment & identify focus for NTG project • Maintain progress on reducing teenage pregnancy especially repeat pregnancies
Focus of Narrowing The Gap • Improve progress on challenging obesity targets especially in younger age group • Children with disabilities data collection & implementation of Aim Higher programme • Gather information on outcomes for young carers to develop dedicated strategy • Achieve sustained improvement in NEET performance especially for vulnerable groups e.g young offenders & care leavers
Narrowing The Gap: an opportunity • How can we build of current models of planning and service delivery • How do we maximise “join up” & integration from the front line delivery to strategic planning • Where are the key areas of opportunity for a different approach