Wirral’s future: The children and young people task force

Nov 17 2010 by Liam Murphy, Birkenhead News

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

WIRRAL Council’s cabinet will be asked to look at finding alternative ways to provide school music lessons and the Oaklands outdoor activity centre.

Most recommendations by the Children and Young People’s Services Task Group have gone through unchanged following the consultation.

However the group reacted to the consultation results by changing the wording of their recommendation to remove the suggestion that the council “stop” services such as music lessons, and instead focus on finding other ways – such as using voluntary groups – to continue them.

The survey question was the only one in that category which did not receive more than 50% agreeing with the proposal.

However the group also revised its recommendation that the council stop or reduce youth and play services as many similar projects are run by voluntary organisations, private sector or local communities.

Instead they advised the authority to ensure lengthy hand-over periods so users see no difference in the service.

Some of the recommendations were criticised for seeking to outsource many services currently carried out by the authority. Other recommendations by the task force included seeking more community involvement in finding foster homes for children in local authority care and supporting those families with vulnerable children at an earlier stage.

The council has also been advised by the task group to identify more opportunities for outside organisations to take over care of children with special educational needs and children with disabilities.