Agenda item

The Committee welcomed Julian Davenne, Play Service Manager, Torfaen Council.

Context:

We were presented with the Play Opportunities Review report which provided members with further details on the proposed future delivery model for staffed play provision.

Key Issues:

The Children and Young People Select Committee considered the review of our current managed play provision (the summer play scheme) at its meeting on 12 November 2015 and it was agreed that the committee receive a further report setting out the proposed model (option 4 in the report by Torfaen Play Service) and specifically how safeguarding issues will be addressed.

The view is that the current provision is unsustainable on several grounds:

• The changes in the regulatory framework from Welsh Government and the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW), including more rigorous staff qualifications and training requirements and changes to the registration of childcare (especially for 8 - 12 year olds) from 1 April 2016

• The equality challenge of the differing treatment of children with disabilities in the current model

• The pressures in place as a result of reduced delivery capacity, including the financial pressures to meet income targets at leisure centres.

Delivery of the new model will depend on the result of current consultations with partners, most notably Town and Community Councils due to the reliance on their funding and the current review of Families First funding used to support the disability elements.

As a maximum, if funding is all secured, it will comprise:

·         full day inclusive sports camps run by Leisure Services at the four leisure centres for a minimum of 4 weeks of summer provision, utilising a well-established model, integrating activities for children with disabilities, where their individual assessment of need allows

·         8 inclusive play scheme sites in community venues across the County for the 4 weeks of summer provision run by Torfaen Play Service utilising the same model as current provision in Torfaen, integrating activities for children with disabilities, where their individual assessment of need allows

·         For the higher tier of children with disabilities with complex and challenging needs 4 weeks of summer provision provided by Torfaen Play Service at an inclusive venue, most likely Cwmbran Stadium

If funding is not secured from individual town and community councils the level of community play provision will vary; minimum provision being the inclusive sports camps at leisure centres supported by provision for the higher tier of children with disabilities. In addition there are already other opportunities available to Monmouthshire children including some schools in the county which also offer supervised play sessions in the summer holiday period. Depending on the funding made available the opportunity to work with existing venues to deliver the inclusive play schemes will also be explored.

Member Scrutiny:

·         The report identified that ‘as a mechanism of good practice Torfaen Play Service do not let any children under the age of 8 leave the site unless their parents/carer comes to collect them.  They adhere to the consent of parents/carers for the children over 8 years which is provided in the registration process.’  Concerns were raised by Members of the committee that 8 years was a young age for a child to leave alone and asked whether this was part of the criteria.  Officers reassured the committee that parent/guardian would state who would pick up the child and whether the child was permitted to leave alone.  The play provision was for children aged 5 to 12.

·         A member asked, in reality, what percentage of 9 year olds would leave site alone.  We were informed that approximately 60% may be allowed by parent/guardian to leave the provision without supervision.

·         Members requested reassurance on what action would be taken if a child under 8 wished to leave the provision, however, parent/guardian could not be contacted.  In response, the policy included age 8 as minimum to leave without a parent/guardian, however, wishes of the parent/guardian would be stipulated and a child of any age may have to be picked up.  Parents/guardians would provide several contact numbers and officers would make contact until a response was received (same principle of school).

·         Members challenged that engagement with the authority’s Safeguarding unit had not been carried out, this was to ensure that the council’s accountability for safeguarding children in the play schemes was looked at by this function.

·         Clarification was requested regarding whether safeguarding training had been provided.  Officers confirmed that staff had been trained at levels one and two. 

·         The committee were advised that details could not be provided regarding specific schemes, as the consultation process was required.

·         In response to a question regarding the model of provision.  We were advised that this would be determined by the sports team within Leisure Centres.  However, it was intended to design similar to the current play scheme provision, the model would not be registered childcare and would be more expensive than the current play model and would fill the gap for provision.

• In terms of advertising, statement had been issued early in 2016 to raise awareness that the provision is being considered.  It was expected that full proposals would be available in approximately 6-7 weeks, following consultation with town and community councils.
• Members highlighted the importance of involvement and engagement with Town and Community Councils, it was recognised that precepts had already been set.  Information was requested regarding other sources of funding that had been pursued.  In response, the committee were informed that the issue of funding had been discussed with Town and Community Councils, the timeline was behind and it was anticipated that detail would be available in March 2016.  The sports camp were confident that minimum model could be provided and further funding opportunities would be explored. 
• Further information was requested by members regarding locations of inclusive play scheme and how they would service the whole County.  Officers clarified that there would be 8 play schemes, this model had been established through budget and attendance numbers.  Locations and existing venues would be discussed at the next stage.
• In response to a question regarding how disabled children and those with complex needs would be provided for.  The committee were informed that a new provision would be required, currently children would attend Cwmbran as it would not be possible for needs to be accommodated within the leisure centres.  Due to the nature of the complex needs involved, there was significant work required to ensure that provision was appropriate and all children were catered for. 
• The committee reiterated the significant importance of safeguarding.
• In terms of next steps, parents would be consulted and engaged in terms of proposals for the model. 

Recommendations:

The Committee agreed to receive and scrutinise the proposed future delivery model for staffed play provision for 16/17 prior to its consideration by cabinet.