The UK council has decided to endorse and recommend approval of a one-year interim Children and Young People's Plan 2025-26 in response to imminent policy changes and the appointment of a new Executive Director for Children's Services.

URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1972

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet considered the report of the Executive Director of Children and Families which sought approval of a one-year interim Children and Young People’s Plan (the Plan) 2025-26, following the conclusion of the previous Plan in March 2025.    Members were informed that the Plan would normally cover a longer period, however there were a number of factors which had led to the decision to develop an interim one-year Plan. These included imminent significant policy changes expected from Government for children’s services as well as the appointment of the new Executive Director for Children’s Services during the Plan’s development.   Members noted that the Plan had been written and developed by the Children’s Trust, a collective partnership comprising representatives from Health, Police, schools, colleges and the voluntary sector, who were also responsible for the Plan’s delivery.  Members heard that the Plan had been developed following a three-month engagement exercise undertaken between October 2024 and January 2025 on behalf of the Children’s Trust, whereby 369 people were consulted with via a variety of methods, across a range of groups and communities.  These included schools, youth clubs, children and young people and their families as well as professionals.   Members were reminded that the Plan sat under the umbrella of the Starting Well element of the Borough Plan “Play your part in a stronger future” and noted the three strategic objectives within the Plan:   ·         Prevention to ensure young people had the right support at the right time to ensure best outcomes for children and families ·         Support SEND young people and families ·         Promote emotional health and mental wellbeing with families   These objectives would be monitored via an action plan which would be overseen by a sub-group of the Children’s Trust.   Councillor Adam Langan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Sheila Little, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care.   Cabinet members welcomed the report and the interim one-year Plan and welcomed the fact that children young peoples’ views had been sought and listened to as part of the Plan’s development.  Members felt it was important to now deliver on the objectives within the Plan and it was vital to provide feedback throughout the next 12 months to those who had taken part in the consultation, in order to acknowledge their valuable contribution and input.   DECIDED:    That   the proposed one-year interim Children and Young People’s Plan 2025-26 be endorsed.   RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:   That the proposed one-year interim Children and Young People’s Plan 2025-26 be approved.   Reason for Decision   1)            West Cheshire Children and Young People’s Plan is the single overarching strategic plan for all services which directly support children and young people in the Borough. It shows how the Council and all relevant partners will work collaboratively and in partnership to improve outcomes and wellbeing of every child, young person and family in Chesire West and Chester. 2)            There are significant policy changes on the horizon for children’s services. In November 2024 the Department for Education published a policy paper “Keeping children safe helping families thrive”. Whilst initial guidance relating to the whole system change “Keeping children safe helping families thrive” was issued in March 2025, full practice guidance has not yet been published. Further guidance is expected to be published in June 2025. It is critical that the direction of travel for the Children and Young People’s Plan is in line with guidance; therefore an interim plan is required. This, together with the appointment of the new Executive Director of Children’s Services for the Council has led to the decision to have a one-year interim Plan.   Alternative Options   As the Plan is part of the Policy Framework the option of not having a Plan is not recommended.  

Date of Decision: June 11, 2025