Agenda item

Report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services, presented by Ann Whitton, Overview and Scrutiny Officer which provided the Children and Young People’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee with an updated work programme for 2024/2025 which was appended to the report (for copy of report, see file of minutes).

The Committee noted the work programme was informed by key strategic documents including the Council Plan and County Durham Vision 2035 and the key themes and ambitions applying to the Children and Young People’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee of ‘Our Economy’ and ‘Our People’.  Members were asked to consider the proposed work programme for 2024/25, bearing in mind the reduced timescale due to the local elections in May.

Councillor Deinali requested that non-visible disabilities be considered for inclusion in the work programme and the Chair confirmed that non-visible disabilities would be included in the work programme under the SEND update.

In reply to a question from Angela Gunn on the inclusion of neurodiversity, it was clarified that a briefing report on Valuing Neurodiversity was included in the work programme.

Referring to the inclusion of Holiday Activities with Healthy Food Programme (Fun and Food), Mrs Gunn pointed out this had previously been discussed by the Committee on several previous occasions and given the high volume of work, she asked whether its inclusion was required. Stephen Gwillym, Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer explained that, at a meeting of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Management Board held in April, members expressed concern at the Fun and Food programme, in particular the eligibility criteria and how organisations wishing to participate in delivery of the programme could access funding. The issues remained a concern, together with the uptake and quality of school meals, therefore the item was included in the work programme for an informal information session.  Councillor Crute informed the Committee of work in progress to consider a pilot scheme for auto-enrolment for free school meals and an update on the matter would be provided to the Committee in due course. 

Resolved:

The Children and Young People’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee:

a)    Received and commented on the proposed CYPOSC work programme for 2024/2025.

b)    Agreed the work programme for 2024/2025 as attached at appendix 2 and the flexibility it offers to respond to emerging issues.

c)    Agreed to identify a topic for in-depth or light touch review activity.