Issue - meetings

To receive a report of the Director of Children’s Services providing a progress update on reshaping short break activities.

The Committee received a report updating them on progress made in changes to the short breaks activities programme (Item 8 in the Minute Book).  This update was at the request of the Select Committee following a previous update to the Committee on the 17 January 2019. 

The report was introduced and key aspects of the changes were drawn to Members attention, and the progress with these was highlighted.  It was heard that these changes included a priority led commissioning approach, introduction of digital gateway cards and exceptions funding.  It was explained that there was now an evidence based approach for applying for the gateway card, and a 48 hour turnaround in issuing the digital card when applications were complete.  Through the implementation of the digital card, officers were able to monitor real-time usage as well as data which could then be used to base buddy schemes on.

In concluding, Members heard that there had been positive feedback to the introduction of the gateway card and no issues reported to the changes implemented.

In response to questions, Members heard:

·         That officers continued to work closely with Hampshire Parent Carer network (HPCN), and would continue to do so.

·         Although swimming was no longer provided as a short break activity through Children’s Services, providers could offer this independently.

·         That the exception fund would likely be reduced in the coming years to more realistically match identified need.

·         That different ways to run the buddy scheme would be examined, as well as the funding for this.

·         That some Members confirmed that they attend regular meetings in their local areas with Parent Carer Network Groups, who kept them informed as to experiences with the changes to the short break activities programme.

RESOLVED:

That the Children and Young People Select Committee noted the progress of the implementation of the changes to reshape the Short Break Activities Programme.