Agenda item

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to provide the committee with the opportunity to scrutinise andcontribute to the draft Monmouthshire NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training)Reduction Strategy 2018 -2021.

Recommendations:

1. The committee to scrutinise the draft Monmouthshire NEET Reduction Strategy 2018-2021 and make recommendations accordingly.

2.Subject to any recommendations made, Committee to endorse the Draft Monmouthshire NEET Reduction Strategy for submission to Cabinet for approval on 4th July 2018

Key issues:

1. This draft Monmouthshire NEET Reduction Strategy demonstrates our commitment as a Council to address NEET reduction in our county in order to create better opportunities and outcomes for our young people, through a partnership approach.

2. Committee have previously been made aware of the Welsh Government Youth Engagement and Progression Framework 2013 and the Authority’s responsibility to provide a delivery model centred on individual need. The six key areas of the framework are embedded in the draft Monmouthshire NEET Reduction Strategy and reflect added value whilst addressing the needs and aspirations of Monmouthshire’s young people.

3. The Strategy details a range of programmes to address NEET reduction which include

·         Inspire2Achieve which provides education and well-being support, qualifications for young people aged 11-16 years most at risk of becoming NEET; and

·         Inspire2Work which provides employability support, qualifications and work placements for unemployed young people aged 16 -24 years.

In order to meet the ambitions of the NEET Reduction Strategy, the Inspire programmes will need to be extended and additional match funding will be required. The extension will help sustain the reduction in the number of school leavers that are NEET and continue low levels of unemployment amongst 16 – 24 years olds. Without this additional match funding potentially 397 young people could be at risk of becoming NEET over the next four years. A report requesting the additional match funding will be presented to Economy and Development Select Committee for scrutiny on 19th July with a view to requesting a formal decision from Cabinet in due course.

Member scrutiny:

·         In response to a question about lessons learnt, it was explained that the previous strategy was vague, didn’t have targets and lacked reference to working with partners.  The new strategy has measurable performance targets that link to the Service Improvement Plan (SIP).  There has been positive feedback from partners and schools.  The Chair welcomed the inclusion of measurable targets.

·         A Member commended the policy to support young people who lack social and employability skills, and have limited qualifications.  Another emphasised the importance of finding out what the young person is interested in and for schools to engage with small companies to encourage employment/training placements.

·         Select Committee Members were reminded of the importance of celebrating young people’s successes and they were referred to Declan’s story on the Hub. http://hub/mcctoday/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=729

·         Answering a question about the early identification tool, it was accepted that there are some anomalies in the scoring arising from individual circumstances (e.g. due to unauthorised attendance) and noted that conversation with the school is key.  Other models have been considered but the tool works and is supported by the secondary schools.

·         A Member noted that indicators show that 16 year olds are in more need but there is less available for the older groups e.g.graduates come home and can’t find work.  It was questioned what apprenticeships are available for all NEET young people not just those who have been educationally disadvantaged and how this position can be improved with local employers and schools.  It was suggested that schools can be reluctant to discuss apprenticeships preferring students to remain for A Levels.

It was responded that if a child leaves school at 16, the school notifies Careers Wales so that the young person is tracked.  A monthly multi-agency meeting is held to consider barriers and to create action plans.  Concern was noted that the number of young people unable to engage is not reducing.  The Inspire2work programme works on employability skills.  The Welsh Government is also introducing a new scheme called Working Wales to support those with multiple barriers to employment, education or training.

There are currently14 apprenticeships in the Council and services are encouraged to consider the benefits of employing apprentices. Enquires are being made with Procurement to find opportunities within the supply chain to offer apprenticeships.  Other opportunities may arise from City Deal. 

It was acknowledged that employability for all is an action point.  The role of schools was questioned and the Chief Officer responded that this was discussed with the four secondary headteachers and the Principal of Coleg Gwent especially how to broaden opportunities post 16 and post 18.  Higher Education is the preferred route, but it was acknowledged that there was significant competition for high level apprenticeships.  This matter will continue to be explored especially linked to City Deal.

·         The point was made that pupils are receiving support from Year 8 to avoid NEET status and school staff were credited on their work to limit the numbers.

·         A Member suggested that the Council should offer apprenticeships for ages 16-24 with or without qualifications and that more work experience weeks should be offered for school aged pupils.