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 year olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) improved from 9.4% in 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