Agenda item

To update the Committee on the work of Headstart and the key highlights of the first two years of the programme.

Mrs Pauline Wigglesworth, Programme Leader, HeadStart presented the HeadStart Annual Report to the Committee and highlighted that the programme had been running for two years, with a further three to go. She advised that the report presented covered the last 12 months of activity, noting that the data provided was simplistic but that it was supported by qualitative feedback from young people in the programme. It was noted that the next stage of the project would involve more detailed evaluation of service provision.

Mrs Wigglesworth introduced three young people to the Committee who were in attendance to discuss their differing experiences of HeadStart with Members.

Danielle reported that she had been supported by a Resilient Coach provided by HeadStart. It was noted that 363 young people and their families had received support from coaches and that one of the key successes had been the Back on Track Project. The project had ensured that 14 young people remained in mainstream education saving the school up to £8,000 in charges for permanent exclusion and the Council £15,000 per year for a place at the Pupil Referral Unit. Danielle advised that her Resilience Coach had improved her confidence and helped her to understand her feelings and that she was now Head of the Student Council at her school. In response to a question, Danielle advised that she had already been known to HeadStart before requesting further support and being provided with a Coach.

Hannah was a member of a Pupil Resilience Committee at her school. It was noted that all schools were now engaged in the HeadStart programme, action plans had been developed by 17 schools and Pupil Resilience Committees were in place in 18 schools. She reported that the Committee in her school had introduced an anti-bullying hub where students could go to resolved concerns by speaking to either a teacher or older pupil. She also reported on the significant positive impact the Committee had had on the school. In response to a question, Hannah advised that if a pupil needed support they could join a ‘buddying system’ or speak to a student or teacher ambassador.

Craig advised that he was one half of the first HeadStart ‘Friend for Life’ scheme. It was noted that the scheme had taken time to put in place as it was imperative to ensure the right people were involved and the right pairings were made. There were currently four friendships in place. Craig advised that he had had a ‘friend’ for eight months and that before forming the friendship he had felt lonely and without anyone to speak to that wasn’t a professional support worker. He spoke of a situation a number of months ago when he had not wanted to return home. His friend had come to speak to him and they had resolved the issues together, he had felt that someone was on his side and had subsequently given his home another chance.

Members queried whether the approaches with positive outcomes were being rolled out across other Council departments and replicated where possible. In response, Mrs Diane Booth, Director of Children’s Services advised that it was important to share the learning and noted that HeadStart was a research project. She reported that an in depth evaluation of the programme would be commencing imminently and that learning would be shared wherever possible.

In response to a further question, Mrs Wigglesworth advised that a national evaluation of all the resilience programmes awarded Big Lottery Funding would take place, however, each area was taking a different approach to the programme. She added that there were some national themes and that it might be possible to compare some Blackpool data directly with other areas in 12 months time.

The Committee agreed to receive a further update on HeadStart in twelve months to consider the initial evaluation undertaken.