In accordance with the Code of Conduct, the following declarations of interest were made, as follows –

Agreed that the minutes of the meeting held on 14 June 2012 were approved as a correct record.

There were no chair’s urgent business.

The panel considered the tracking resolutions and those present commented as follows –

·         regarding minute 3 (3) -  Parent Governor Representative.  The panel were happy for the election process to commence.

Jayne Gorton, Lead Officer gave an update on the University Technical College (UTC).  It was reported that -

a.     there would be no more than 600 pupils in attendance at the UTC;

b.    the UTC would specialise in marine engineering and advanced manufacturing.  Students would be encouraged to undertake workplace based experience;

c.     the UTC is on target, the deadline was extremely challenging with a vast majority of building work to be completed in time for the UTC in September 2013.

In response to questions raised, it was reported that -

d.    the first round of recruitment for a principle was unsuccessful.  The second round pulled in candidates from further afield, all with educational backgrounds.  The successful candidate would be in post by January 2013;

e.    the overall number of staff would be between 80 to 100;

f.      there would be limited take of places during the first year.  Other UTC’s across the country that had been running for two to three years were now full and would hope the Plymouth UTC’s uptake of places would increase over the two years;

g.     Plymouth City Council, University of Plymouth and City College were equal partners.  The UTC would have a governing body and representations on that body would need to be set up over the next 12 months.

Agreed that the Project Manager to update the panel on progress made on the UTC in January 2013.

Michelle Thomas, Director of Operations and Dan O’Toole, Director of Finance, Plymouth Community Healthcare (PCH) gave an update to the panel.  It was reported that -

a.     a single point of access for referrals and simplifying the model to support young people through the process was being looked at;

b.    every child receives a risk assessment and care plan.  The care plan details the treatment the child would receive and the length of treatment;

c.     Rapid response and quick access back if they require the service again.

In response to questions raised, it was reported that -

d.    an urgent referral would be seen within two weeks, other referrals to be seen within 18 weeks;

e.    the benchmarking exercise was conducted by Oxford and they compared their services to the services provided by PCH.  Work was continuing with Oxford to further improve services at PCH;

f.      early intervention was a main priority and looking at identifying issues sooner.

Agreed that the Children’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Task and Finish Action Plan is continually monitored by the panel.

The panel noted the update from the Children and Young People Trust Board.  Panel members reported that Derriford Hospital was not very child friendly and the benefits of having all the specialists in one room discussing a child’s needs.

Agreed that the panel explore hospital appointments for children and young people and the co-ordination of consultants when seeing patients.

The panel noted the update from the CPG.  It was reported that the Awards Evening was a success and needed to be continued and the Chair of the Corporate Parenting Group was exploring ideas on how the event would be supported in the future.

The panel noted the report from the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

The panel noted the work programme and agreed to recommend to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board the following items for inclusion:

•           Primary school attainment to include secondary school attainment;

•           School Transport to be brought forward to September;

•           Hospital appointments for children and young people and the co-ordination of consultants when seeing patients.

There  were no items of exempt business.