Decision details

RESOLVED:

1.  That the number and variety of interventions available to support looked after children and care leavers to achieve economic well being be noted.  These interventions include:

• The council’s apprenticeship scheme
• Support from a dedicated Connexions and Southwark Works officers
• Coaching scheme
• Drop in service for looked after children.

2.  That the strong partnerships in place, with a soon to be refreshed multiagency looked after children (Not in Education, Employment or Training) NEET Strategy Group that is exploring ways of providing joined up provision to this cohort of young people be noted.

3.  That there is a comprehensive (Not in Education, Employment or Training) NEET strategy in place which is overseen by the multiagency group referred to above be noted.

4.  That the success of the council’s apprenticeship scheme with looked after children who are well represented and supported to access this programme be noted.  That the committee be kept updated with regard to Southwark College courses and the preferential opportunities as and when developed for local employment (for example the Shard and other developments)

5.  That  access to higher education be monitored by the committee, including actions taken to lobby government (to raise relevant issues with regard to looked after children) in order to ensure that looked after children are not disproportionately affected by the recent changes in the university fees regime.