Local democracy

Agenda item

SUPPORT CHILDREN IN CARE AND CARE LEAVERS TO ACCESS CULTURE AND ARTS ACTIVITIES

The joint report of the Strategic Director Children’s Services and Strategic Director Place (Document “Z”) provides the members of the Corporate Parenting Panel with an overview of current activity undertaken by Department of Place and Children’s Services. This report was requested following a report to the CPP in January 2021 by Department of Place in relation to support for children in care. This led to further discussion about support specifically in relation to cultural activities and the arts and the extent to which we help our children and young people to access these. It was agreed that Children’s Services and Department of Place would come together to review current activity, think about future activity and jointly prepare a report.  

 

Recommended -

 

This report is for information only.

 

(Richard Fawcett - 01274 436041)

 

Minutes:

The joint report of the Strategic Director Children’s Services and Strategic Director Place (Document “Z”) provided the members of the Corporate Parenting Panel with an overview of current activity undertaken by Department of Place and Children’s Services. This report was requested following a report to the Panel in January 2021 by Department of Place in relation to support for children in care. This led to further discussion about support specifically in relation to cultural activities and the arts and the extent to which we help our children and young people to access these. It was agreed that Children’s Services and Department of Place would come together to review current activity, think about future activity and jointly prepare a report.

 

Members were advised that Bradford Theatres were working on offering tickets for shows at reduced or little cost to children in care and care leavers. Opportunities were being explored to reduce fees to encourage access to sports facilities.  Offers were also being identified to increase access to the Museums and Libraries service.  Work was being undertaken on a specific offer for looked after children providing activity packs; creativity cards allowing looked after children to access activities in museums; Proud to be from Bradford encouraged young people to explore the heritage in their area. 

 

It was highlighted that it was important to produce an offer following discussions with young people about what they wanted and it was noted that local history was an area in which young people has expressed an interest.  It was noted that most of what libraries offered was free and for young people and that there was a need to work with looked after children specifically to encourage them to visit and engage with libraries and make library use a regular habit that would stay with them for the rest of their lives.

 

It was noted that work experience and placements and opportunities to volunteer were offered in Bradford theatres and that they could ensure that they were offered to looked after children.

 

Members of the Panel were pleased to note the offers being identified to encourage children in care and care leaves to access cultural activities which could contribute to their emotional health and wellbeing. 

 

In response member questions, officers endeavoured to contact organisations outside the Council such as local professional sports teams or voluntary organisations regarding concessions and offers that could be made to looked after children.  It was noted that relationships were being built with the Chamber of Trade and the third sector going forward.

 

It was pointed out that there was a disconnect between the opportunities that were available young people being aware of them.  Work was needed to ensure that young people were made aware of what was available and that this was followed up. It was suggested that the Children in Care Council be asked to consider involving young people in the ongoing discussions taking place.

 

 

Resolved –

 

That officers be thanked for the report and that it be requested that consultation take place with the Children in Care Council with a view to them being represented in the ongoing discussions about support for children and care leavers to access culture and arts activities.

 

 

ACTION: Strategic Director of Children’s Services

 

Supporting documents: