1. Personalisation: children and young people and choices Dr. Maureen Winn Oakley Sandwell Commissioner for Children and Young People

2. My role Children’s rights post Mirrors role of the Children’s Commissioner for England Sir Al Aynsley-Green Promote the voices of children and young people at all levels. Grass roots and strategically. Challenge and support. Critical friend. Work directly with children and young people. Attend Boards such as Corporate Parenting, Local Safeguarding Children’s Board, Children and Young People’s Trust Partnership also e.g. Community Cohesion Strategy Group. Oversee complaints process for children. Produce Reports. Well done to Sandwell on creating such a post.

3. Children and Young people Do we like children and young people? Individually and collectively. See them positively or negatively? How might that affect their choices and the development of personalisation? Media image. Mosquito machines. Children’s Rights? United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child art. 12 and 13. Human Rights Act. Competence Gillick/Fraser Children and young people as citizens. Intergenerational issues. Choices depend on our willingness to engage positively with young people. Choices depend upon being well informed and empowered.

4. Developments in Sandwell: Social Care. Collective and personal support Corporate Parenting –Active Corporate Parenting Board Chaired by Sandwell’s Chief Executive. Looked After Young People’s Board. (Children in Care Council), members of above Board, attend Scrutiny. Looked After Event Summer 2008 for all children in care and care leavers. Fun, information, Safety, Health. DVD. ‘Wot LAC care 2 no’ pack. Information = empowerment Looked After Children’s Education Awards/Virtual School Total Respect Training. Young people train the adults. Chairing ‘your’ statutory review. Attend/participate. Advocacy -proactive and reactive. Drop In Centre -information

5. Developments in Sandwell: Health. Sexual Health and Teenage Pregnancy Teenage Pregnancy-traditionally high in Sandwell. Links with aspirations/choices. Teenage Pregnancy Shadow Board (male and female) GASH=Group about Sexual Health. DVD Asian Young People’s Group. Inform and empower other young people. Partnership working. Young people as mystery shoppers Personalisation: Batmanshill –choices: education and training Personalisation: Welfare Benefits Health-Bullying: individual and collective responses Shadow Youth Cabinet, LAYP Board, LGBTT shOUT

6. Developments in Sandwell: Education. Emotional Support and Personalised Learning. SEAL Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning. Buddy and peer support. Worry Sheet, Circle Time. Behaviour Managers Learning Mentors School Councils and Healthy Schools Black Country Initiative: Gypsy and Traveller Young People(14-19 agenda) improving choice. 21st Century Schools. A world class education for every child. White paper ACES Academic Coaches Ensuring Success

7. Young person: choices Sandwell Children and Young People’s Plan 2007-2010 Afterword. Page 69. “School life for me was not great. I was predicted just two GCSE’s and to be honest my attitude towards school was awful. During year 11 I was assigned an Academic Coach through the ACES Programme and gradually my whole attitude changed and my future began to look bright. I received regular help with coursework and revision. After achieving 10 A*-C passes at GCSE I went into the school’s sixth form, I was elected to become head girl, a massive achievement that I am very proud of. After my A levels I plan to pursue a sports degree or enter the police force. I now have choice and my outlook on life has changed.”