To consider and recommend for approval the Yes We Can plan, as the strategic partnership plan for children and young people in Herefordshire.

The Cabinet Member Health and Wellbeing presented the report of the Head of Commissioning (Children Services).  The following points were made in discussion:

• It was stated that the resources invested in young people to improve life chances for children and young people studying and working in the county would provide dividends in the future. 
• The strategic partnership plan is the plan that organisations and individuals who commission and provide services for children and young people all agree to work to.
•  The Children and Young People’s Partnership Forum replaces the previous Children’s Trust.  All partners work together and lead their individual agency to improve the opportunities and outcomes for young people.  The Forum has considerable input from young people.
• In discussing risk management it was stressed that there had to be a reliance on social care staff to provide professional judgements.
• It was stated that there was a reduction in the total number of children in the county, decreasing by 10%.  It was emphasised that the success of the target setting needed to be monitored and to ensure that all targeting work was done at the earliest point a need was identified.
• Cabinet reiterated the need to work in partnership with employers to ensure that schools were clear on the requirements of employers.

RESOLVED

               THAT:

a)    Cabinet recommend to Council to approve the Yes We Can plan; and

b)    it be noted that the priorities within the Yes We Can plan be considered as part of the Council’s Root and Branch reviews.