Agenda item

The Panel received an update on Aycliffe Secure Centre from Selwyn Morgans, Aycliffe Secure Centre Manger which included presentations on how the Centre had continued to operate effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic and the plans for a Transition Home, to prepare young people for integration into the community (for copy of presentations see file of minutes).

The Centre Manager provided details of the numerous changes implemented since March 2020 to ensure the Centre continued to care for young people whilst maintaining a safe environment for all.  He paid tribute to staff

for rising to this unprecedented challenge and he also thanked the young people for playing their part to minimise the impact, with incidents of restraint and self-harm reducing during the pandemic. 

The Centre Manager was pleased to report that, at a recent assurance visit by Ofsted, the Centre maintained its outstanding rating and received very positive feedback.

Referring to the success of virtual visits which were implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chair asked if these would continue to be offered when normal service is resumed.  The Centre Manager confirmed that that this initiative will continue as it had worked very well and enabled the young people to stay in contact with their families, safely, throughout the pandemic.

Councillor Quinn asked if there were any plans to vaccinate staff.  The Centre Manager responded that there were no immediate plans, however, the situation was being monitored, with regular meetings being held with colleagues from NHS England, Public Health and the Department for Education.

Councillor Bainbridge expressed her support for the plan for the Transitions Home.

Councillor Richardson asked for further information on how the young people based in the Transitions Home would access education.  The Centre Manager clarified that the young people would attend education establishments within the community and the education team based within the Centre would work with those establishments.  In addition, facilities for education would be available within the Transition Home.

The Chair thanked the Centre Manager for the informative update.