Agenda item

(Item B5 – Report by Mr M Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities and Ms A Honey, Managing Director) (Ms J Doherty, Policy Manager and Ms M White, Head of Extended Services (CFE) were present for this item)

(1)       The Committee received a report which summarised the content and progress of the draft Strategy for Supporting Parents in Kent, with particular reference to the services in the Communities Directorate.

(2)       The draft Strategy was subject to a formal consultation through the Kent Children’s Trust Partnership until 25 April 2008.  The Children, Families and Education Policy Overview Committee had also been given the opportunity to consider the draft strategy.

(3)       Following a presentation from Ms White, members of the Committee were given the opportunity to make comments and ask questions which included the following:-

·        In response to a question regarding absenteeism from school and the need for robust monitoring systems, Ms Slaven advised that monitoring systems were in place and that there were established processes for helping to children and young people to return to school.

·        In response to concerns regarding school exclusion which were illustrated by a member’s experience of a particular case, Ms White advised that the Parenting Support Strategy was designed to integrate with and influence other key plans and processes.  For example, where children experience bullying, a help line is being piloted to offer parents support and advice.

·        A comment was made that the full strategy document uses the phrase ‘fathers and mothers’ rather than ‘parents’ to reinforce the importance of fathers.  Ms White acknowledged that the summary report had only used the word ‘parents’ and apologised for this.  

·         She also confirmed there would be a commitment to consultation with hard to reach groups and that the 1211 doorstep surveys carried out by BMG to inform the strategy had included wards of high deprivation. This had been complemented by 9 focus groups, 2 of which were fathers.  She noted that there would also be engagement with Children’s Centres, voluntary groups, Home Start and YMCAs.

·        The issue of children who are subject to a Child Protection Plan (“on the risk register”) because of parental alcohol or substance misuse was raised.  It was suggested that a greater focus be given to these families and Ms Slaven highlighted projects already in train such as ‘Hidden Harm’, and the Sunlight Project working with primary schools in the Thanet area.

·        A member suggested that numeracy and literacy were of particular importance for vulnerable groups.

·        Concern was raised about trying to bring together the needs of all parents and vulnerable families in one strategy.  It was suggested that this might not achieve a useful balance.  It was further suggested that the importance of wider communities for children’s development should be reflected in the document.  Ms White said she understood that DCSF requires a single strategy, but the strategy in Kent would look at the particular needs of vulnerable parents, including those for whom, the misuse of alcohol and drugs was a factor.

·        The emphasis on fathers’ roles in children’s development was welcomed. 

 (4)      RESOLVED that:-

(a)       The development of the Parenting Support Strategy be noted;

b)         The comments and responses to questions by Members of the Committee be noted.