Bracknell Forest Children’s Funddemocratic.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/documents/s11853/Childrens...

Bracknell Forest

Children’s Fund

Final Annual Report

2007 - 08

BFCF Annual report 2007-08 170908 /chfm/ch fund/ann review

Contents

Chap Title Page

Contents 1 1. Executive summary 2 2. Background 4 3. The Projects 4 4. Achievements 5 5. Lessons Learnt 7 6. The Way Forward 8 Appendices 11

1. Partnership Board members 2. Summary of Aims & Objectives 3. Synopsis of Projects

4. CF Service providers and contact information 5. Terms of Reference of the Prevention & Early Intervention Group

6. Financial Summary 2007 - 2008 7. Providers comparative summary of statistics 8. Glossary of terms


1. Executive Summary 1.2. Background Summary data for the five year period of operation of the Children’s Fund:

- 10% primary school children received direct support - over 14,000 parents received information, advice and/or support - 17 projects were developed or introduced to Bracknell Forest through the Children’s Fund

- 5 of the projects initiated in the first year established themselves as effective, long term prevention and early intervention services

- £780,000 - total grant administered by the Children’s Fund multi agency Board - 75% of the grant was delivered through the Voluntary and Community Sector

1.3 Projects 1.3.1 Ten prevention and early intervention projects have been fully or jointly supported

during 2007-08: - The Pyramid programme for children - ‘Pyramid for Parents’ - ‘Safe to Learn’ - Early Intervention Programme - Play Scheme Access Programme - ‘Konnections’ holiday respite scheme - Young Carers - Family Information Service & information development work - Inclusion Development Officer - Oakwood Youth Challenge

1.3.2. Eight projects were managed by voluntary sector organisations 1.3.3 Three projects were funded for the first time 1.4. Achievements 1.4.1. For those on-going projects there was a 36% increase on the previous year in the

number of children and 18% increase in the number of parents that the Bracknell Forest Children’s Fund has part or fully supported through early intervention or prevention programmes

1.4.2. The Children’s Fund has through key projects provided direct intensive support to

431 children; 4748 parents have accessed information services; and 24 parents received support from a pilot parenting service

1.4.3. The Pyramid project - 521 year 3 & 4 pupils were screened (53% increase on the

previous year), the needs of 174 (33%) of the children were assessed at the multi professional ID meeting, of which 110 (60%) were selected for inclusion in a Pyramid Club.

1.4.4. The Early Intervention Project (EIP), managed by the Youth Offending Service,

for children at risk of offending has assisted 42 children (27% increase on the previous period).

1.4.5. The Children’s Information Centre (CIC), Family Information Service (FIS)

received 4748 enquiries from Bracknell Forest in the past year; an 18% increase on the previous year.

1.4.6. The Play Scheme Access Programme for vulnerable children, was more in

demand. The service was offered to more children - a 68% increase on last year; but the number of sessions available to some children was reduced because of limitation of funds.


1.4.7. Three projects were newly supported - “Safe to Learn” peer mentoring, piloting

of the “Pyramid for Parents” programme; “Young Carers” project 1.4.8. Strategic Initiatives - as well as the provision of direct services the Children’s

Fund has played an increasing role in the development of strategic initiatives within Bracknell Forest.

1.4.9. The Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Group of the Bracknell Forest

Children’s Trust - the Children’s Fund ceased as an Independent Board in March 2008. the Children’s Trust, invited the membership to continue to utilise its experience, knowledge and skill to further initiate, develop, and monitor prevention and early intervention (PEI) services through the formation of the PEI Group.

1.4.10 Children’s Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Children’s Forum - is the

recognised body able to inform service development, represent the sector on the Children’s Trust Board and other key partnerships in Bracknell Forest.,

1.4.11 The VCS Children’s Forum executive group administers the Children’s

Workforce Development Funds on behalf of the Children’s Fund. 1.5. Lessons Learnt 1.5.1 Multi agency partnership working does work but not without serious commitment 1.5.2. The voluntary sector can and should be an equal and effective partner 1.5.3 Providers and strategists can work together to successfully commission services. 1.5.4 It is essential to maintain a high profile for preventive and early intervention

services. 1.5.5 Commitment to intervention at Tiers I & 2 takes time to evidence 1.5.6. Engaging users – children, young people and their families - sounds easy but is

harder to maintain and evidence 1.5.7 Essential to continually ask the question – ‘does this service make a difference?’ 1.5.8 Commissioning requires ongoing engagement between provider and the

commissioning partnership. 1.5.9 For effective services the provider requires regular support, monitoring and review

both of services and financial efficiency 1.5.10 A multi agency partnership can effectively and efficiently administer funds 1.5.11 To sustain effective PEI services requires serious promotion of such services and

their effectiveness. 1.6. The Way Forward 1.6.1 Key challenges to be addressed: 1.6.2 - the sustainability of PEI services 1.6.3. - the need to focus on Tier 2, ‘targeted’, prevention and early intervention services 1.6.4. - ensure all funded projects address the relevant key priorities of the Children

Trust’s Children & YP Plan and the 3 associated Partnerships.


1.6.5 Promote and advocate the long term benefit of prevention and early intervention

services to reduce cost of acute and statutory services 1.6.6. analysis of national and local data, to provide key evidence as to the requirement

for and effectiveness of PEI services. 1.6.7. targeted work with particular projects initiatives, will be addressed, namely:

1.6.8. Pyramid Programme to continue its expansion towards the target of all primary

schools by March 2011.

1.6.9 Early Intervention Programme to continue its expansion. 1.6.10 Play Scheme Access Programme requires additional joint funding to address the

demand for its current ‘Holiday activities’ services. The project is accessing ‘hidden need’ not so easily picked up via other.

1.6.11 The increasing demand for the universal ‘Pyramid for Parents’ programme

requires a significant review of funding if it is to meet the needs identified. 1.6.12 Young Carers in the Borough is a ‘gap in service’; a strategy to address needs

and a review of current services will be prepared by January 2009. A joint funding initiative will be required.

2. Background 2.1. This is the fifth and final annual report of the Bracknell Forest Children’s Fund

Board. As a result, the following brief summary of data for the five year period of operation is included:

- 10% primary school children received direct support - over 14,000 parents received information, advice and/or support - 17 projects were developed or introduced to Bracknell Forest through the Children’s Fund

- 5 of the projects initiated in the first year established themselves as effective, long term prevention and early intervention services

- £780,000 - total grant administered by the Children’s Fund multi agency Board - 75% of the grant was delivered through the Voluntary and Community Sector

2.2. This report primarily focuses on the work and achievements of the Children’s Fund Board in this its final year of independent operation.

2.3. The Board also takes the opportunity to reflect on lessons learnt and to look to the

future for prevention and early intervention strategy and services in Bracknell Forest.

3. The Projects 3.1. The Children’s Fund during 2007-08 has fully or jointly supported ten prevention

and early intervention projects in Bracknell Forest. These were: - The Pyramid programme for children - ‘Pyramid for Parents’ - ‘Safe to Learn’ - Early Intervention Programme


- Play Scheme Access Programme - ‘Konnections’ holiday respite scheme - Young Carers - Family Information Service & information development work - Inclusion Development Officer - Oakwood Youth Challenge

3.2 Eight projects were managed by voluntary sector organisations; the remaining

two, YOS Early Intervention Project and the Holiday Access Programme are managed by the Youth Offending Service and Early Years and Child Care Departments respectively.

3.3. Three projects were funded for the first time – ‘Pyramid for Parents’’ the ‘Safe to

Learn’ project and ‘Young Carers’. 3.4. One project, the Inclusion Development Service managed by NCH, was

discontinued by mutual agreement during the year. 3.5. A brief synopsis of each project is given as an appendix. Full details of the projects

can be obtained from the organisations concerned, details and contact information of which are also listed as an appendix.

3.6. Every project has its own monitoring procedures and three projects continued to

be externally evaluated by an independent researcher.

4. Achievements

Projects 4.1 During 2007 - 08 the ten projects were fully or jointly funded by the Children’s

Fund.. 4.2. For those on-going projects there was a 36% increase on the previous year in the

number of children and 18% increase in the number of parents that the Bracknell Forest Children’s Fund has part or fully supported through early intervention or prevention programmes. (for full details of the comparative figures over past 4 years see appendix.)

4.3. Of this total, six key projects supported by the Children’s Fund have provided

direct intensive support to 431 children; 4748 parents have accessed information services; and 24 parents received support from a pilot parenting service.

4.4 Some new projects have been commissioned and one de-commissioned during

the past year. This against a background of a further reduction in the overall Children’s Fund grant allocation from central government.

4.5 73% of the Children’s Fund Grant, similar to last year, has been allocated to

service projects managed by local voluntary and community organisations. 4.6 The Pyramid project has continued the major expansion of its service to the

primary school sector of the Borough attaining a 53% increase on the previous year. 521 year 3 & 4 pupils were screened, the needs of 174 (33%) of the children were assessed at the multi professional ID meeting, of which 110 (60%) were selected for inclusion in a Pyramid Club; many of the other 64 children received additional school support and 6% of those reviewed were signposted to specialist service agencies for acute intervention.


4.7 The Early Intervention Project (EIP), managed by the Youth Offending Service, for children at risk of offending has assisted 42 children in the past year, a 27% increase on the previous period. Its effectiveness has continued to be verified by the independent evaluation and its success rate is considered the highest within the former Berkshire Councils.

4.8 The Children’s Information Centre (CIC), Family Information Service (FIS)

received 4748 enquiries from Bracknell Forest in the past year; an 18% increase on the previous year. There was a 10% increase in the number of parents/carers who received the service directly at the information desk in Bracknell town centre or at outreach events in local communities; this represents 48% of the total enquiries – further evidence of FIS building its links within the local communities.

4.9 In addition the CIC, Information Development Worker has revised the Special

Needs resource guide; maintained the disability mailing list, now with over 300 families accessing information either by email or ‘hard mail’; and produced the quarterly Disability Newsletter.

4.10 Holiday activities for vulnerable children including those with physical and

learning disabilities continue to be provided by two of the Children’s Fund supported projects. – the Playscheme Access Programme (Holiday Access) and the Konnections respite scheme. As a result 161 children have accessed holiday support programmes, a 31% increase during the past year.

4.11 The Play Scheme Access Programme for vulnerable children, managed by the

Play Development Officer, EY&CC and provided by the Holiday Activity Clubs, was more in demand than ever in the past year. The service was offered to more children - a 68% increase on last year, but the number of sessions available to some children was reduced because of limitation of funds. This service appears to reach more of the ‘hidden’ vulnerable children and if more funding was available the service could meet the needs of these children more effectively.

4.12 Konnections respite schemes, provided through the Bracknell Family Church,

continued to offer during the past year a quality service to 37 children and young people all with varying special needs, the majority of whom were on the autistic spectrum.

4.13 Three projects newly supported - The past year saw the Children’s Fund

support the establishment of two new projects - the “Safe to Learn” peer mentoring, anti bullying project in secondary schools and the piloting of the “Pyramid for Parents” programme. The Fund also agreed to contribute toward the jointly supported “Young Carers” project.

4.14 The “Safe to Learn”, peer mentoring programme, co-ordinated by E B MIND

and provided through a link teacher in each school, has as its prime purpose to address anti-bullying in Years 7&8. The programme commenced in this year and is now operating successfully in 3 of the 6 secondary schools on Bracknell Forest. 33 peer mentors were trained during this pilot year and 45 young people used the service. The project will expand to the remaining schools during 2008. Initial evaluation shows 62% of those accessing the service do so as a result of bullying and friendship issues; 83% used the service once a week and 50% used the service daily!

4.15 The national “Pyramid for Parents” programme was piloted in 3 primary schools during the year. The scheme, managed by E B MIND, financed jointly by the Children’s Fund and Extended Services and supported by the Behaviour Support Team, has proved successful and is currently being offered to 10 schools in


2008/09. 100% of parents reported a noticeable positive change in their home environment. Comments from parent evaluations include:

“I have found this course fun, informative and very supportive. If all courses were run this way more people would be helped that needed it”; “the tips have made a huge difference in our day-to-day lives – thank you”.

4.16 Young Carers, managed by Bracknell Forest Voluntary Action, provides primarily

a highly supportive weekly group session for 40 children and young people, many with an acute level of need. Demand for its service continues to increase with10 young people on a waiting list.

Strategic Initiatives. 4.17 In the past year, as well as the provision of direct services for children and their

families, the Children’s Fund has played an increasing role in the development of strategic initiatives within Bracknell Forest. These are highlighted below:

4.18 Bracknell Forest Children’s Trust

The Children’s Fund ceased as an Independent Board in March 2008. The CYPSP, now the Children’s Trust, invited the membership to continue to utilise its experience, knowledge and skill to further initiate, develop, and monitor prevention and early intervention (PEI) services through the formation of the PEI Group. The membership of the Children’s Fund agreed to serve in this role.

4.19 The Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Group of the Bracknell Forest

Children’s Trust. The importance of developing and expanding prevention and early intervention services is fully recognised by the Children’s Trust. As a consequence the PEI Group has the role of administering the no longer ‘ring-fenced’ Children’s Fund budget and other related funds; monitoring current PEI Projects, addressing all issues related to P&EI; and building collaboration and joint working with a view to eventual joint commissioning of future services

4.20 Children’s Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) has further strengthened its

position as a key partner in the provision of services as well as the planning and development of future services for C,YP & Families in Bracknell Forest. The Children’s Forum is a recognised body able to inform service development, represent the sector on the Children’s Trust Board and other key partnerships,

4.21 The VCS Children’s Forum executive group now administers the Children’s

Workforce Development Funds on behalf of the Children’s Fund and advises on workforce training and developments.

4.22 Assessment of need and identification of gaps in service has been highlighted

by the ongoing evaluation and monitoring of and by PEI service providers. Such information is used in the review and development of the priorities of the Children’s & Young Persons’ Plan.

5. Lessons Learnt 5.1. The Children’s Fund Board has acquired knowledge, skills and experience in its

five years of commissioning, administering, implementing, monitoring, reviewing and when required, decommissioning of P&EI services in Bracknell Forest.

5.2 The Board also gained knowledge, skills and experience in the strategic

development of joint and partnership working in the Children’s sector Key lessons learnt:


5.3 Multi agency partnership working does work but not without serious commitment to

understanding of fellow members’ baseline operation and views; commitment to the principle of partnership working; commitment to sharing resources including time for personnel to effect change and development.

5.4 The voluntary sector can and should be an equal and effective partner in the

provision of services to Ch&YP 5.5 Providers and strategists can work together to successfully commission services -

each needs the other to identify need and gaps in service as well as to monitor and evaluate effectiveness.

5.6 It is essential to maintain a high profile for preventive and early intervention

services – in times of restrictive funding they are the easiest to cut along with services provided by the voluntary sector.

5.7 Commitment to intervention at Tiers I & 2 takes time to evidence but does bring

change and in the long-term, financial saving to acute services 5.8. Engaging users – children, young people and their families - sounds easy but is

harder to maintain and evidence 5.9 Essential to continually ask the question – ‘does this service make a difference?’

not so easy to provide the evidence in the short term for preventive and early intervention services but can be done

5.10 Commissioning is not just a process to initiate a service but requires ongoing

engagement between provider and the commissioning partnership. 5.11 For effective services the provider requires regular support, monitoring and review

both of services and financial efficiency 5.12 A multi agency partnership can effectively and efficiently administer funds 5.13 To sustain effective PEI services requires serious promotion of such services and

their effectiveness especially against a background of reduced funding streams

6. The Way Forward 6.1. Bracknell Forest Children’s Trust

The Children’s Fund ceased as an Independent Board in March 2008. Its work as a champion of prevention and early intervention will continue as a result of the commitment of the Children’s Trust to set up a Prevention and Early Intervention Group reporting to the Trust.

6.2. The Terms of Reference for the work of the Prevention and Early Intervention

(PEI) Group (given in full as an appendix to this report) will ensure prevention and early intervention as a key element of the work of the Trust.

6.3 As a result, and in particular the Group will:

6.3.1. support the delivery and priorities of the Children and Young Person plan where there is a relevant PEI element

6.3.2. promote, develop and co-ordinate PEI services across the 0 -19 age range


6.3.3. identify gaps in PEI services and contribute to the regular gap analysis 6.3.4. work with the VCS to build capacity to develop PEI services 6.3.5. identify and co-ordinate funding steams that contribute to the PEI agenda 6.3.6. seek additional funding streams and resources with partners 6.3.7. allocated resources 6.3.8. oversee services commissioned by the PEI Group 6.3.9. ensure engaging C,YP& parent/caers and the local community remains

central to service delivery 6.3.10. promote the common assessment framework and information sharing as

core tools to support PEI intervention 6.3.11. monitor, evaluate and report on outcomes and impact of PEI services

commissioned through the PEI Group 6.3.12. administer the amalgam of funding streams and other resources as

identified and delegated through the Children’s Trust 6.4 Work to implement the above is already well underway. 6.5 Particular challenges to be addressed are:

6.5.1 Sustainability of PEI services 1.6.7. the need to focus on Tier 2, ‘targeted’, prevention and early intervention

services rather than supporting Tier 3 & 4, acute services that may be under funded

1.6.8. ensure all funded projects address the relevant key priorities of:

- the Bracknell Forest Sustainable Community Strategy and Local Area Agreement targets

- the Children’s Trust’s Children & YP Plan - the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and its Action Plan - the Local Children’s Safeguarding Board’s strategy and priorities

1.6.9. promote and advocate the long term benefit of prevention and early

intervention services to reduce cost of acute and statutory services 1.6.10. analysis of national and local data, including that acquired from the

Common Assessment Framework (CAF) will provide key evidence as to the requirement for and effectiveness of PEI services.

6.6. In the light of the above, targeted work with particular projects initiatives, will be

addressed, namely:

6.7. Pyramid Programme to continue its expansion towards the target of all primary schools by March 2011. This will result in the availability of ‘emotional well-being’ screening and intervention for all/most year 3 pupils in the Borough.


1.7 The Early Intervention Programme to continue its expansion, assuming the funding from the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership will continue, if not increase over the next two years and other funding streams secured.

1.8 The Play Scheme Access Programme requires additional joint funding to address

the demand for its current ‘Holiday activities’ services. There is also a similar serious and increasing demand for funded or subsidised after-school provision, particularly for families in crisis. The project is accessing ‘hidden need’ not so easily picked up via other services e.g. family needs of mother with terminal illness; family living in 2 room flat with no outside play area; mother suffering from alcohol abuse; family needs associated with a Downs Syndrome child; family needs arising from mother’s death in childbirth, family of seven children.

1.9 The increasing demand for the universal ‘Pyramid for Parents’ programme

requires a significant review of funding if it is to meet the needs identified. 1.10 The extent and needs of Young Carers in the Borough is a ‘gap in service’; an

assessment is underway to identify their number and needs; the outcome, due before the end of the current year, will result in a strategy to address needs and a review of current services. A joint funding initiative will be required.


Appendices

Partnership Board members Chair Laura Collard Managing Director, Children’s Information Centre

(CIC) * Vice Chair Christine Cowap Development Officer, Bracknell Forest Voluntary

Action *

Julia Smith Director, East Berkshire MIND *

Sgt Barry Cox Thames Valley Police Karen Frost Manager, Early Years & Child Care Manager, BF

SCL Sally Garforth Children & Families Officer, BF SCL Yvette Gayford Chief Executive, Parents and Children Together

(PACT) * Janet Hughes Manager, Bracknell Forest Connexions Service * Kate Kennard Regional Manager South East, NCH * Sandra Maxwell Children’s Trust Business Manager, BF SCL Don McLaren Integrated Youth Service Manager, BF SCL Mary Purnell Assistant Director, Locality Development,

Berkshire East Primary Care Trust (PCT) Sue Watson Assistant Finance Officer, BF SCL James Townend Acting Head of Service- Safeguarding, BF SCL Karen Roberts Manager, BF Youth Offending Service (YOS) Graham Symonds Extended Services Co-ordinator, BF SCL

Accurate as of July 2008 * = VCS member


Aims and Objectives 2.1. The Children’s Fund, launched in 2003, is a government sponsored programme to

develop early intervention and prevention programmes for vulnerable children aged 5 – 13 years and their families.

2.2. The Children’s Fund, through each local authority area, receives an annual

government grant according to population size and indices of deprivation. 2.3. The Children’s Fund in Bracknell Forest is administered by a multi agency

Partnership Board, the full membership of which is given in Appendix 1. The Partnership Board is chaired by a representative of the voluntary sector with Bracknell Forest Borough Council as the lead and accountable body.

2.4. The aims and objectives of the Bracknell Forest Children’s Fund (BFCF) were

defined locally and agreed by Government Office for the South East (GOSE) and further refined in Dec 2004. These are:

2.4.1. The Mission Statement of the Children’s Fund for this period states: “Bracknell Forest Children’s Fund Board, working with the CYPSP and other

strategic partnerships, will by 2008 have:

• Implemented targeted early intervention and prevention services for

vulnerable children aged 5 – 13 and their families. These services will be

managed in partnership by the voluntary community sector and statutory

services with children and young people playing a key role

• Contributed to the delivery and implementation of the integrated Children’s

Service Plan in Bracknell Forest, including a robust, sustainable, prevention

strategy as envisaged in the Children Act 2004.”

2.4.2. The original Children’s Fund Plan (2003) service development objectives remain

valid and reflect the emerging themes of the Integrated Children Services. These

are: i. “the development of early intervention and prevention services within 4 specific

‘higher need’ wards within the Borough of Bracknell Forest, namely Great

Hollands, Priestwood, Harmanswater & Bullbrook

ii. access to play and leisure activities for children marginalised as a result of

disability or disadvantage

iii. the development of support programmes for parents.”

2.4.3. The 3 year revised Strategic Action Plan (Dec. 2004) revised objectives are: i. “To be a catalyst for the development and maintenance of integrated preventative

and early intervention services for children in Bracknell.

ii. To support the development of an integrated approach to all children’s services

iii. To continue to provide ‘pump prime’ funding for the development of new early

intervention and preventative initiatives identified as a result of the ongoing

mapping and analysis of need

iv. To ensure the sustainability of current preventative services where these have shown, through evaluation, to contribute significantly to meeting the needs of

users.

v. To help to build the capacity of the children’s voluntary sector within the

Borough thus ensuring the diversity of provision to meet the needs of children,

young people and families (C,YP&F) from all sectors of the community

vi. To ensure that children, young people and families play a key role in the

development, implementation and evaluation of all services

vii. To implement and review all its work and services within the five outcomes

defined in Every Child Matters.”


2.5. To achieve these aims and objectives agencies were invited to tender for

development of projects, with priority being given to tenders from voluntary organisations.

2.6. As a result Projects originally approved were:

• The Pyramid Project, managed by East Berkshire MIND

• Prejudice, Discrimination and Bullying workshops, managed by the S.E. Berkshire Education Business Partnership (SEB EBP)

• Reading and Number buddies project, administered by the S.E. Berkshire Education Business Partnership (SEB EBP)

• Early Intervention Project for children at risk of offending managed by Bracknell Forest Youth Offending Team (YOT)

• Parent Information Service managed by the Children’s Information Centre (CIC)

• Outdoor activity centre developed and managed by Oakwood Youth Challenge

• Holiday activity schemes for vulnerable children run by some after school clubs; originally managed by Bracknell Out of School Activities (BOOSA); now administered by BF Early Years and Child Care, Play Development Officer

• ‘Konnections’, a summer holiday activities for children with disabilities, managed by Kerith Family Church

• Development of Inclusion in mainstream leisure activities for children with disabilities and an After school club in the local special school, both managed by Disability Challengers


The Projects 1. The Pyramid Project,

This ‘three part’ programme consists of early intervention screening, multi-agency consultation and activity group therapy focusing on 7-9 year olds usually in the primary school setting. The screening applies to all pupils in school year 3; with signposting to specialised services where required; for pupils with low self esteem

a group therapy programme runs as an after school club for ten weeks. √√√√ 2. Pyramid for Parents , managed by East Berkshire Mind

The national Pyramid for Parents programme provides a ‘universal’ parental support group work programme lasting for 6 sessions to raise parent’s awareness of the role they play in promoting a positive self image and resilience in their children; and to provide parents with knowledge, skills and positive experiences that can be used to enhance their relationship with and create a supportive home environment for their children.

Early Intervention Programme, managed by Youth Offending Service (YOS) EIP is designed to work with young people 8 -13 with the purpose of preventing those at risk of offending from entering the criminal justice system. The method of intervention is through individual and group activities specifically designed to meet the needs of the individual child. Referrals are received from parents, head-teachers and school support staff, social workers, police, Education Welfare

Officers, and the Behaviour Support Team. √√√√ 3. Family Information Service

The Family Information Service is a free, independent service providing impartial information, advice and guidance on childcare and children’s services for children aged 0 -19 years inclusive of those with special needs. The information is available to parents, carers and professionals who live, work and play in Bracknell Forest. The FIS is a contracted service provided by the Children’s Information Centre, an independent charity that has provided an information service in

Bracknell Forest since 1999 √√√√ 4. Holiday activity schemes for vulnerable children run by Holiday Play Schemes

and linked to some After School Clubs. “The Project offers respite recreation to vulnerable children, across the Borough, via access to seven holiday play schemes hence providing support to the families who live mainly within ‘pockets of deprivation’.” The programme enables children to play in a safe, supervised environment thus providing children with the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities supporting all areas of their

development, with particular emphasis on social skills and emotional stability. √√√√ 5. ‘Konnections’ summer holiday activities for children with disabilities,

Konnections is a project sponsored by Bracknell Family Church, supporting families who have children with special needs. The Children’s Fund offers some financial support to the summer holiday activity programme for special needs

children. √√√√ 6. Inclusion in mainstream leisure activities for children with disabilities.

In the past year, the Inclusion Officer, jointly managed by NCH and EY&CC has undertaken an audit of services to children with special needs and offered support

to the staff of after school clubs in their endeavour toward greater inclusivity. √√√√

7 Parent outreach support service - The Family Support Outreach service offers parenting and family support work, mainly to individual families in their home. Each


worker operates within the catchment area of a specific Children’s Centre. The workers also deliver training programmes to parents; organise fun activity sessions for both parent and child and signpost to other specialised services and

professionals. √√√√ 8. Oakwood Youth Challenge Outdoor Activity Centre

“The centre is primarily targeted at 8 -18 year old youth, male and female, who attend school or youth organisations within a ten mile radius of the Centre.” “Oakwood Youth Challenge will use adventure activities to challenge young people attain new physical goals; use team-building adventure activities to develop interpersonal skills and become more socially involved and integrated in their community; and present the Christian message to challenge young people

spiritually.”√√√√

9 ‘Safe to Learn’, managed and co-ordinated by East Berkshire Mind The aim of project is to improve the safety and the wellbeing of young people by preventing and addressing bullying issues in years 7 and 8 through peer mentoring

in secondary schools. √√√√ 10. Young Carers, managed by Bracknell Forest Voluntary Action, provides a weekly

group session for 40 young carers, individual assessments of referrals, holiday activities programme & co-ordination of outdoor activity holiday, individual support to particular children, signposting to other relevant agencies


CF Service Providers and contact information

East Berkshire MIND

Pyramid Project, Pyramid for Parents, Safe to Learn Julia Smith, Director Kirstine Hooper, Project Manager 89 Park Street Room 9, Copper’s Hill, Bagshot Road Slough, SL1 1PX Bracknell RG12 7QS 01753 557262 07834 507 912 [email protected]; [email protected].

Children’s Information Centre (CIC)

Laura Collard, Managing DIrector Drop In Centre, Family Tree Nursery 6 Queens Walk Mary Hand, Information Development Worker Reading RG1 7QF Family Tree Nursery 0118 950 9499 Bracknell Town Centre [email protected] 07961 902 606 FIS Freephone 0800 3289148 [email protected] www.childrensinfo.org

BF Youth Offending Service

Early Intervention Project Karen Roberts, YOS Manager Pippa Barville, Project Manager 76 Binfield Road 76 Binfield Road Bracknell, RG42 2AR Bracknell, RG42 2AR 01344 354300 01344 354335 [email protected] [email protected]

Bracknell Play Scheme Access Programme (Holiday Activity Programme) Delivered by the voluntary sector and managed by Early Years and Child Care, BF SCL

Lorraine Collins, Deputy EY&CC Manager Rowans Children’s Centre, Foxhill School, Pondmoor Road Bracknell, RG12 7JZ 01344 [email protected]

Konnections, Kerrith Family Church

Catriona Mitchell, Director Family Services Bracknell Family Church, Kerrith Centre, Church Road Bracknell RG12 1EH 01344 862699 [email protected]

NCH

Kate Kennard, SE Regional Manager Elaine Allen, Manager NCH South East Margaret Wells Furby Resource Centre 158 Crawley Road, Roffey, Great Hollands Sq. Horsham, W Sussex. Great Hollands RH12 4EU Bracknell, Berks. [email protected] [email protected] Oakwood Youth Challenge

Tony Pudner, Director Waterloo Road, Bracknell, RG40 3DA 0118 979 2253 [email protected]

Bracknell Forest Voluntary Action

Martin Gilman, Director Young Carers 5th Floor FitzWilliams House, Skimped Hill Lane Clare Rebbeck, Care Service Manager

Bracknell RG12 1JX 01344 304404 [email protected] [email protected] Youthline

Coopers Hill, Bagshot Road Bracknell, RG12 7QS

01344 861359 [email protected]


Bracknell Forest Children’s Trust PEI Group TOR final 020908/chfm/ch fund/Board agenda etc

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Name of Group Prevention and Early Intervention Group

Lead Manager Sandra Maxwell

Sponsor Martin Gocke.

Membership of Group

Children’s Information Centre(CIC) , Managing Director – Laura Collard Youth Offending Service, Manager – Karen Roberts BFBC, E,CS & Lib., Early Years, Childcare and Play Development Manager – Karen Frost BFBC, E,CS & Lib., Youth Services Manager – Sheila Ogden Berkshire East PCT Assistant Director Locality Development– Mary Purnell BFBC, E,CS & Lib., Head of Service [Safeguarding] – James Townend PACT, Chief Executive – Yvette Gayford BFBC, E,CS & Lib., Extended Schools Coordinator – Graham Symonds East Berkshire MIND, Director – Julia Smith Bracknell Forest Voluntary Action (BFVA), Development Officer– Chris Cowap Thames Valley Police – Sgt Barry Cox BFBC, E,CS & Lib., Children and Families Officer ESC&L – Sally Garforth NCH , Regional Manager South East – Kate Kennard BFBC, E,CS & Lib., Integrated Children’s Officer – Sandra Maxwell BF Connexions Partnership Manager - Janet Hughes Prevention & Early Intervention Officer [working job title] - Mike Cornfield Additional people may be invited to join the group or attend various meetings as and when the work programme requires it.

Aim / Purpose of Group

• Plan, promote delivery, monitor and evaluate services that address the prevention and early intervention agenda in Bracknell Forest.

• Contribute to the commissioning arrangements within the developing Children’s Trust for Bracknell Forest

Objectives of group.

Strategic Objectives:

• Contribute to the overall delivery of a Children’s Trust in Bracknell Forest.

• Support the delivery and priorities of the CYPP where there is a relevant prevention and early intervention element.

• Operate within key overarching strategies to promote, develop and co-ordinate prevention and early intervention services in Bracknell Forest across the 0 -19 age range.

• Identify gaps in prevention and early intervention services and contribute to a regular review of gap analysis.

• Work with voluntary sector partners to build capacity to develop preventive services.

• Identify and co-ordinate funding streams that contribute to preventative working / seek additional funding and resources with partners.

• Allocate resources delegated to the group through Children’s Trust arrangements.

Operational Objectives:


• Continue to oversee services formerly commissioned through the Children’s Fund Partnership Board.

• Ensure engaging children and young people, parent / carers and the local community remains central to service delivery

• Promote the use of the Common Assessment Framework and Information sharing as core tools to support prevention and early intervention.

• Monitor, evaluate and report on outcomes and impact of preventative services commissioned through the group.

• Administer the budget of the Children’s Fund and other resources as identified and delegated through the Children’s Trust

Relationship of this group to other groups / meetings

• This group will form one element of the Children’s Trust framework in Bracknell Forest. It will sit under the commissioning work-stream of the Children’s Trust which will report directly to the Children’s Trust Executive Board.

• Progress will be regularly reported to the Children’s Trust Partnership and to other groups as required.

• Because of the group’s wide ranging objectives, this group will liaise and collaborate with groups under the Community Engagement, Shared provisions and performance workstreams of the Children’s Trust.

• The group will work in collaboration with the Children’s Voluntary Sector Forum.

Resources.

CWDC - Workforce Development Grant Staff time Area Based Grant allocations.

Frequency and location of group

The group will meet bi-monthly

Admin arrangements.

Prevention and Early Intervention Programme Manager

Date ToR agreed

January 2008

Date to be reviewed.

January 2009


Children's Fund Financial Summary for 2007-08 Financial summary 07-08 280808/chfm/ch fund/ ann rep

2007/08

final %

Staff and Volunteer Costs 15066 9.8%

(inclusive cost of travel, office admin, running costs from 2005)

Travel & Subsistence

Premises/Office/Overhead costs

Running Costs

Capital Expenditure 0.0%

Monitoring & Evaluation 4,000 2.6%

Sub-Total 19,066 12.4%

Strategic servicework

staff strategic work - contribution 10,884 7.1%

children's participation 5,000 3.3%

voluntary infrastructure build 2,000 1.3%

Sub-Total 17,884 11.7%

Grants/Disbursements (75%)

Inclusion Officer (D. Chall.05/06 /NCH 06/08/?YC 07/09) 6209 4.1%

Young Carers 3253 2.1%

Pyramid Trust 24538 16.0%

SE EBP - Reading and Number Buddies 0 0.0%

- Learning through Action 0

SE EBP Prejudice Project / S2L project 3500 2.3%

Konnections 3000 2.0%

Holiday Activity Scheme (BOOSA) 11000 7.2%

Children's Information Centre [CIC] (Post) 8000 5.2%

CIC (Research) 0

Youthline - counselling service for 8-11yr old 0

Oakwood Youth Challenge 1000 0.7%

Parenting support programme 15500 10.1%

Sub-Total 76,000 49.6%

Grants/Disbursements YOT (25%)

YOS Early Intervention Project 33,250 21.7%

SE EBP/Realeyes/Safe to Learn project 7,000 4.6%

Sub-Total 40,250 26.3%

Contingency 0 0.0%

yet to be allocated 0 0.0%

Sub-Total 0 0.0%

GRAND TOTAL 153,200 100.0%

total spend thro' Statutory service (£) & (%) 33,250 27.0%

total spend thro' VCS (£) & (%) 90,000 73.0%

CWDG (admin. of Grant thro CF)- income 20000

- expenditure

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Comparative Summary of statistics - 2004-08 number of children & young people and number of parents engaged by services project.

Comparative Summary of Statistics 2004 -2008 last updated 020908 comparativeof Statistics 2004 -08/chfm/ch fund/ann review

2004-05

2005-06

% change

2006-07

% change

2007-08

% change

C&YP

Pyramid (EB MIND)

- number of children screened 521 24%

- number of Children attending Clubs 50 70 40% 72 3% 110 53%

Realeyes

- Reading Number Buddies 0 35 0 0

- Pred, Discrim& Bullying 968 240 -75% 600 150% 0 Play Scheme Access Programme (Holiday Access) 83 74 -11% 74 0% 124 68%

Konnections 45 40 -11% 42 5% 37 -12%

Disability Challengers 0 14 0 0

Oakwood Youth Challenge 3000 9660 222% 12000 24% 14000 17%

Early Intervention Prog (YOS) 25 33 32% 33 0% 42 27%

Safe to Learn 78

Young Carers 40

Inclusion Development Officer, NCH 0

Parents

Children's Information Centre 1590 4158 162% 4040 -3% 4748 18%

Pyramid for parents (EB MIND) 24

TOTALS

C&YP 4171 10166 144% 12821 26% 14952 17%

C&YP - % increase of previous year for current projects 36%

Parents 1590 4158 162% 4040 -3% 4772 18%

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Glossary of Terms BFCF Bracknell Forest Children’s Fund

BFC SCL Bracknell Forest Council , Social Care & Learning BFP Bracknell Forest Partnership

CIC Childrens Information Centre CYPP Children and Young People Plan CYPSP Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership DCSF Department of Children, Schools and Families ECM Every Child Matters EY&CC Early Years & Child Care Department FIS Family Information Service GOSE Government Office for the South East JAR Joint Area Review LAA Local Area Agreement PCT Berkshire East, Primary Care Trust P&EI Prevention and Early Intervention PVI Private, Voluntary and Independent sector SCL Social Care and Learning Directorate, Bracknell Forest Council SLA Service Level Agreement (contract) VCS Voluntary and Community Sector

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