Wednesday 6th June 2007 9:30-12:00
Review and Refresh, Oldham’s third Stakeholder Partnership Event, was an opportunity for all agencies working with children and young people in Oldham to come together, take stock of achievements and progress against the Children and Young People Plan (the overarching plan for delivering services to children and young people in Oldham) and shape future developments around ‘Oldham’s Children’s Trust Approach’. You can view the delegate list. A wide range of organisations and services were in attendance.
Delegates were asked for their thoughts on the proposed Children’s Trust Approach model which focuses on working with the existing Children and Young People Partnership and governance arrangements to move towards ‘service trusts’ which will enable the planning and commissioning of services around themed areas of work, for example Looked After Children and Integrated Youth Services. Those present were able to comment on the structure of these themed trusts and highlight any questions or concerns they may have. The feedback has been collated and summarised and can be viewed:
Find out more about the event by viewing the agenda, Stakeholder Partnership event slides and delegate pack.
Tim Mitchell, Chief Executive from Positive Steps Oldham presented the key findings from the recent review of the Children and Young People Plan. Amongst the achievements reported we have been successful in reducing teenage conception rates, have seen an improvement in achievement in Key Stages 1, 2 and 4 and a reduction in first time offending and re-offending.
The presentation ended with the emerging ‘refreshed’ priorities, which we as a Borough must now focus on to meet the needs of our children and young people.
The event also featured a video presentation by the children, parents and teams of Oldham's Children's Centres which highlighted the creative and pioneering work developed in the first phase of Oldham’s Children’s Centres. Some of the innovative methods used for involving children, young people, parents, carers and communities in the planning and design of services and activities were illustrated and members of the community spoke about the impact that Children’s Centres are having on the lives of their families. For more information please contact Onye Obirieze on 0161 770 3688 or email onyewuchi.obirieze@oldham.gov.uk
‘Review and Refresh’ saw the first presentation delivered by the voluntary and community sector at a Stakeholder Partnership Event as Lee Gosling, Chair of Oldham’s Council for Voluntary Youth Services, spoke about the contribution made by the sector. Images and DVD footage illustrated the impact that voluntary sector agencies have on the lives of children and young people.
Councillor Hugh McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children Young People and Families closed the event with a few words about his vision for the future. Bullying and racism were two issues, which he saw as paramount to the happiness, safety, health and success of the children and young people in Oldham.