Doncaster Metripolitan Council
Councillors:
56
Wards:
22
Committees:
25
Meetings (2025):
88
Meetings (2024):
113
Meeting
Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Doncaster
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 18th July 2024
4:00 PM
Thursday, 18th July 2024
4:00 PM
End:
Thursday, 18th July 2024
8:00 PM
Thursday, 18th July 2024
8:00 PM
Actual Time
Started:
Thursday, 25th July 2024
12:00 AM
Thursday, 25th July 2024
12:00 AM
Finished:
Thursday, 25th July 2024
12:00 AM
Thursday, 25th July 2024
12:00 AM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
18 Jul 2024
18 Jul 2024
Location:
Council Chamber
Council Chamber
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Conservative Group Leader
Vice-Chair
Deputy Civic Mayor
Guest
Georgina Lightfoot
UNISON
Expected
Co-Optee
Bernadette Nesbit
Diocese of Hallam Roman Catholic Church
Apologies
Chair
Councillor Leanne Hempshall
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Laura Bluff
Apologies
Committee Member
Councillor Susan Durant
Apologies
Committee Member
Councillor Charlie Hogarth
Absent
Committee Member
Councillor Tracey Moran
Apologies
Committee Member
Councillor Rob Reid
Absent
Co-Optee
Antoinette Drinkhill
Church of England Education Representative
Apologies
Agenda
0
A. Items where the Public and Press may not be excluded
1
Apologies for absence
Minutes
2
To consider the extent, if any, to which the public and press are to be excluded from the meeting.
Minutes
There were no items on the agenda where the public and press were to be excluded from the meeting.
3
Declarations of Interest, if any.
Minutes
There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.
4
Minutes of the meeting held on 17th June 2024
Attachments:
Minutes
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 17th June 2024, be agreed as a correct record and signed by the chair.
5
Public Statements
(A period not exceeding 20 minutes for statements from up to 5 members of the public on matters within the Panel’s remit, proposing action(s) which may be considered or contribute towards the future development of the Panel’s work programme).
Minutes
There were no public statements made.
6
Doncaster Youth Council Work Plans
Attachments:
- Document CYP O&S Youth Council Approved 180724 10 Jul 2024
Minutes
To accompany the report, a detailed presentation was provided to the Panel by Members of the Doncaster Youth Council outlining their work programme and addressing the following areas:
· Mark Your Mark consultation with young people highlighting Crime and Safety being the top issue of concern, with Health and Wellbeing and Education and learning the next two main areas of concern.
· Eating Disorder Awareness Campaign – this topic was identified through the Make Your Mark 2022 consultation with a deep dive being undertaken collaborating with a nurse from RDASH CAMHS and visiting a clinic in Conisbrough. The Youth Councillors were currently finalising their learning activity package in readiness for delivery.
· Crime and Safety – the most common concerns amongst young people were fighting (getting jumped), Gangs and knife crime, being a bystander (filming and encouraging) and not knowing what to do in a situation or the consequences. The project overview was presented and hoped it would be undertaken early in 2025.
· Young Persons Guide to PRIDE – the Youth Council would like their work to be a legacy project that could be used all year round to support LBGTQ young people.
In response to a question a Youth Councillor explained that the consultations undertaken were youth led ensuring that questions were meaningful and young person friendly and were circulated around schools, colleges, sixth forms and shared on social media. The Youth Councillors acknowledged that they did not have strong links across all communities and to assist with connecting with all young people the Participation and Youth officers would contact community groups and schools on their behalf.
With regard to safe spaces the Youth Councillor explained that it was developing a programme similar to “Ask Angela” but to provide a safe space for children young people.
Members congratulated the Youth Council for capturing the young people’s voice and thanked them for presenting the information and wished them luck moving forward with the work they were undertaking. It was explained that the Doncaster Young Advisors had created and were leading on the child friendly campaign and would be targeting spaces that the Youth Council identified, for example, the Frenchgate Interchange to achieve the charter. It was stressed this was a Doncaster initiative not national.
With regard to the funding received from the Violence Reduction Unit the Youth Councillors confirmed that most of the investment would be used to make a film and produce posters.
The Service Director for Children, Young People and Families reiterated how proud the Local Authority was of the amazing work undertaken by the Youth Councillors.
RESOLVED: That the information provided by the Youth Council, be noted and links to the presentation video be provided to Members following the meeting.
· Mark Your Mark consultation with young people highlighting Crime and Safety being the top issue of concern, with Health and Wellbeing and Education and learning the next two main areas of concern.
· Eating Disorder Awareness Campaign – this topic was identified through the Make Your Mark 2022 consultation with a deep dive being undertaken collaborating with a nurse from RDASH CAMHS and visiting a clinic in Conisbrough. The Youth Councillors were currently finalising their learning activity package in readiness for delivery.
· Crime and Safety – the most common concerns amongst young people were fighting (getting jumped), Gangs and knife crime, being a bystander (filming and encouraging) and not knowing what to do in a situation or the consequences. The project overview was presented and hoped it would be undertaken early in 2025.
· Young Persons Guide to PRIDE – the Youth Council would like their work to be a legacy project that could be used all year round to support LBGTQ young people.
In response to a question a Youth Councillor explained that the consultations undertaken were youth led ensuring that questions were meaningful and young person friendly and were circulated around schools, colleges, sixth forms and shared on social media. The Youth Councillors acknowledged that they did not have strong links across all communities and to assist with connecting with all young people the Participation and Youth officers would contact community groups and schools on their behalf.
With regard to safe spaces the Youth Councillor explained that it was developing a programme similar to “Ask Angela” but to provide a safe space for children young people.
Members congratulated the Youth Council for capturing the young people’s voice and thanked them for presenting the information and wished them luck moving forward with the work they were undertaking. It was explained that the Doncaster Young Advisors had created and were leading on the child friendly campaign and would be targeting spaces that the Youth Council identified, for example, the Frenchgate Interchange to achieve the charter. It was stressed this was a Doncaster initiative not national.
With regard to the funding received from the Violence Reduction Unit the Youth Councillors confirmed that most of the investment would be used to make a film and produce posters.
The Service Director for Children, Young People and Families reiterated how proud the Local Authority was of the amazing work undertaken by the Youth Councillors.
RESOLVED: That the information provided by the Youth Council, be noted and links to the presentation video be provided to Members following the meeting.
7
Children Young People Eating Disorders
Attachments:
- Document CYP O&S Eating Disorders Report 180724 10 Jul 2024
- Document ED presentation to OS July 24 - CYP OS 180824 10 Jul 2024
Minutes
The Panel gave consideration to a report and presentation outlining the Doncaster offer in response to the number of eating disorder referrals in young people.
It was highlighted to Members that there had been a steady increase over the last six years, with the number of referrals peaking in 2021 and placing a huge pressure on service provision. It was stressed that eating disorders in Doncaster was a partnership issue, health funded and commissioned by the Integrated Care Board.
The presentation covered the following areas:
· Background;
· Service offer; and
· What was working well and challenges.
Members thanked the Clinical Psychologist Consultant and Nurse Consultant for the presentation and addressed the following areas in more detail:
Hospital care for children with an eating disorder – to continue the areas raised relating to when young people were admitted to hospital and being possibly placed in gastro wards, it was acknowledged that hospitals continued to have pressures with bed availability. It was noted that good links had been forged with Doncaster Royal Infirmary in this regard with an assessment and pathway framework agreed to ensure the young people were placed in the correct hospital department. Additionally there had been recent management changes to address young people presenting themselves at accident and emergency including new guidance, that had been fully embedded across the hospital. It was noted that a young person aged 16 and above was treated as an adult with their care appropriately managed whilst in hospital. For example, the adult gastro ward in Doncaster had some extraordinary skills that were valuable in managing eating disorders for both adults and young people.
ECG’s and blood tests within communities – it was confirmed that these tests could be undertaken within a community setting or if required in someone’s home if this was thought to be more appropriate. The situation can be escalated if required, recognising risks but also reducing admissions to accident and emergency that were not necessary.
Multi-disciplinary team – it was explained that each child had their own care plan developed with them to ensure the young person’s voice was clearly heard. With regard to the complexities being address there were often a number of services working with the family. In response to concern relating to a young person having to retell their story to different services, partners were very aware of this and to reduce this risk partners met on a weekly basis to share patient information and intervention that had already been undertaken with the young person.
With regard to where clients appointments were held, it was noted that the majority of clinical work was undertaken at the primary base sited in Conisbrough. Members acknowledged that it was important to have a central base ensuring all staff and equipment were available, however there was the capacity to work in clients’ homes, school settings and GP centres. There was also the capacity available to assist clients reaching the Conisbrough Centre if this was difficult for a young person, eg transport challenges.
It was explained that the Early Help Strategy was key and the service was keen to work with partners, and Members noted there were a number of early help co-ordinators at CAMHS. It was stressed there was additional work to be undertaken with regard to shared assessments but it was a key priority for the Mental Health Group.
Impact of Covid on eating disorders – It was explained that it was important to recognise there was no firm evidence to support triggers causing eating disorders but there were many social, biological and psychological factors. Influences could include the rise of social media both locally and nationally and during Covid there was an increase in health anxiety that transferred into other health conditions.
Educational settings – A Member expressed concern that, bearing in mind how educational establishments operate, could students possibly feel they did not have much control over their lives during school time, but then took control in different ways during their home life to compensate. In response it was explained that yes this was a narrative services had heard but could not confirm this was a definite factor and highlighted that all school environments were different with some more restrictive than others. For example, short lunch breaks could impact on the time it takes to eat, relax and use essential facilities. Influencing factors could be anything as a strategy for managing distress in the same way as self harm, anxiety disorders or depression. Members noted that the onset of an eating disorder was very complex and therefore difficult to provide a definitive cause, but it presented itself as a response to stress created by many factors. It was stressed that this was why the young person’s and family voice was of utmost importance.
A Member recognised the difficulties described and continued to highlight that, for example, with regard to neurodiverse people many things could create difficulties. In response it was explained that nationally there was an over-representation of neurodivergent children and young people presenting themselves to support services that had found it difficult following the Covid lockdown. Support pathways had therefore been developed to assist young people to access services.
Due to the complex nature of eating disorders, caution was aired to ensure that the Panel understood that body image and eating restrictions due to sensitivities were separate issues and reiterated that the CAMHS pathway was much different to the neurodiversity pathway.
Eating disorder referrals – It was reported to the Panel that ease of access to these support services was a large part of the strategy offer. It was confirmed that a young person could self refer and there was no requirement to see their GP first, there was no set referral form or criteria. With regard to GP knowledge and skills, it varied but it was important that they held the right information and training to ensure a young person suffering with an eating disorder found the correct help and support. The Team was working with a partner to access GP target training ensuring knowledge was up to date.
A Member’s opinion was that it took a long period of time for a young person to receive an assessment, therefore reiterating the importance of ease of service access. In response it was accepted there always more to be done and since Covid, service access had increased by promotion through campaigns and information and poster circulation particularly in schools and colleges.
It was noted that the MEED guidelines focused on physical risk irrespective of neurodivergence and as a service the eating disorder would always be addressed first.
Service provision prior to 2015 – It was noted that the service was provided by CAMHS practitioners with a specialist interest in eating disorders.
A Member outlined their personal experience with regard to eating disorders through psychosis. He stated that service support was fantastic, outlined how it impacted on the family and particularly at that time, access to services.
With regard to the early intervention model, for example being able to take blood from a patient within the home he outlined it saved on the stress of the young person. Due to the positive engagement with the service they noted their child’s condition quickly improve.
It was noted that the current model followed was to make treatment as easy as possible by doing the right thing in the right place, but in terms of bloods being taken at home it was not a service that was currently offered.
It was acknowledged that the future in mind policy change in 2015 acknowledged the issues outlined by the Member and at that time separate funding was made available to provide a community eating disorder service. Following the pandemic there has been an increase in need and therefore people needed to be made aware of services available to them. Additionally an important part of the service was to ensure staff were upskilled to recognised early need. It was also noted that pre-Covid there had been training undertaken in school and college settings but during the pandemic this was limited.
Members were made aware that the young people who presented themselves for help generally did not self refer, but family who took the initial steps, therefore promotion tended to focus on pastoral teams in education settings. It was also explained that more mechanisms were in place to support and challenge education settings where it was felt support for the young person was not available.
The Executive Director concluded the discussion by outlining there were two issues that required addressing locally but some discussions were impeded by national policy decisions. Unfortunately some families were impacted by the way services were provided through the translation of national policy. Locally the dialogue between partners had improved greatly and schools were far better engaged, the service was not perfect but everyone was listening to ensure change in mental health pathways were a priority.
Recruitment challenges – In response to a question it was explained that the position was similar nationally. The Childrens and Young Peoples programme for eating disorders was launched nationally with investment made in the service and pre covid there was enough investment to fill posts. The ICB was now focusing on workforce development with plans regionally to support people interested in this particular area of work. As a service it had creatively offered psychology and nursing placements to make it an attractive place to work.
Family support – It was explained that the baseline treatment was a family based approach (those who were caring for the young person) around anorexia nervosa. A multi family therapy 4 days course, support groups, work with siblings if necessary was offered. With regard to family support groups, it was reported that the multi family therapy was a good example of support. Parents who have taken part then tended to develop their own links but the service offered, for example, Tea and Talk and an online support group. It was stressed that if work was undertaken by the family approach treatment it was twice as effective.
Poster design – the Chair questioned if the service worked with the Youth Councillors to seek views on how posters should look and read bearing in mind their recent work on eating disorders. It was explained that the service does work with the Youth Council and also ex-service users and patients that were nearing discharge and an area the service was keen to develop further.
RECOMMENDED that:
1. Figures be provided to the Panel on how many young people have presented themselves with an eating disorder;
2. Ask that the Health and Well-being Board give consideration to the Eating Disorder Service; and
3. The Eating Disorder Service be championed and ask that it be lobbied both locally and nationally.
It was highlighted to Members that there had been a steady increase over the last six years, with the number of referrals peaking in 2021 and placing a huge pressure on service provision. It was stressed that eating disorders in Doncaster was a partnership issue, health funded and commissioned by the Integrated Care Board.
The presentation covered the following areas:
· Background;
· Service offer; and
· What was working well and challenges.
Members thanked the Clinical Psychologist Consultant and Nurse Consultant for the presentation and addressed the following areas in more detail:
Hospital care for children with an eating disorder – to continue the areas raised relating to when young people were admitted to hospital and being possibly placed in gastro wards, it was acknowledged that hospitals continued to have pressures with bed availability. It was noted that good links had been forged with Doncaster Royal Infirmary in this regard with an assessment and pathway framework agreed to ensure the young people were placed in the correct hospital department. Additionally there had been recent management changes to address young people presenting themselves at accident and emergency including new guidance, that had been fully embedded across the hospital. It was noted that a young person aged 16 and above was treated as an adult with their care appropriately managed whilst in hospital. For example, the adult gastro ward in Doncaster had some extraordinary skills that were valuable in managing eating disorders for both adults and young people.
ECG’s and blood tests within communities – it was confirmed that these tests could be undertaken within a community setting or if required in someone’s home if this was thought to be more appropriate. The situation can be escalated if required, recognising risks but also reducing admissions to accident and emergency that were not necessary.
Multi-disciplinary team – it was explained that each child had their own care plan developed with them to ensure the young person’s voice was clearly heard. With regard to the complexities being address there were often a number of services working with the family. In response to concern relating to a young person having to retell their story to different services, partners were very aware of this and to reduce this risk partners met on a weekly basis to share patient information and intervention that had already been undertaken with the young person.
With regard to where clients appointments were held, it was noted that the majority of clinical work was undertaken at the primary base sited in Conisbrough. Members acknowledged that it was important to have a central base ensuring all staff and equipment were available, however there was the capacity to work in clients’ homes, school settings and GP centres. There was also the capacity available to assist clients reaching the Conisbrough Centre if this was difficult for a young person, eg transport challenges.
It was explained that the Early Help Strategy was key and the service was keen to work with partners, and Members noted there were a number of early help co-ordinators at CAMHS. It was stressed there was additional work to be undertaken with regard to shared assessments but it was a key priority for the Mental Health Group.
Impact of Covid on eating disorders – It was explained that it was important to recognise there was no firm evidence to support triggers causing eating disorders but there were many social, biological and psychological factors. Influences could include the rise of social media both locally and nationally and during Covid there was an increase in health anxiety that transferred into other health conditions.
Educational settings – A Member expressed concern that, bearing in mind how educational establishments operate, could students possibly feel they did not have much control over their lives during school time, but then took control in different ways during their home life to compensate. In response it was explained that yes this was a narrative services had heard but could not confirm this was a definite factor and highlighted that all school environments were different with some more restrictive than others. For example, short lunch breaks could impact on the time it takes to eat, relax and use essential facilities. Influencing factors could be anything as a strategy for managing distress in the same way as self harm, anxiety disorders or depression. Members noted that the onset of an eating disorder was very complex and therefore difficult to provide a definitive cause, but it presented itself as a response to stress created by many factors. It was stressed that this was why the young person’s and family voice was of utmost importance.
A Member recognised the difficulties described and continued to highlight that, for example, with regard to neurodiverse people many things could create difficulties. In response it was explained that nationally there was an over-representation of neurodivergent children and young people presenting themselves to support services that had found it difficult following the Covid lockdown. Support pathways had therefore been developed to assist young people to access services.
Due to the complex nature of eating disorders, caution was aired to ensure that the Panel understood that body image and eating restrictions due to sensitivities were separate issues and reiterated that the CAMHS pathway was much different to the neurodiversity pathway.
Eating disorder referrals – It was reported to the Panel that ease of access to these support services was a large part of the strategy offer. It was confirmed that a young person could self refer and there was no requirement to see their GP first, there was no set referral form or criteria. With regard to GP knowledge and skills, it varied but it was important that they held the right information and training to ensure a young person suffering with an eating disorder found the correct help and support. The Team was working with a partner to access GP target training ensuring knowledge was up to date.
A Member’s opinion was that it took a long period of time for a young person to receive an assessment, therefore reiterating the importance of ease of service access. In response it was accepted there always more to be done and since Covid, service access had increased by promotion through campaigns and information and poster circulation particularly in schools and colleges.
It was noted that the MEED guidelines focused on physical risk irrespective of neurodivergence and as a service the eating disorder would always be addressed first.
Service provision prior to 2015 – It was noted that the service was provided by CAMHS practitioners with a specialist interest in eating disorders.
A Member outlined their personal experience with regard to eating disorders through psychosis. He stated that service support was fantastic, outlined how it impacted on the family and particularly at that time, access to services.
With regard to the early intervention model, for example being able to take blood from a patient within the home he outlined it saved on the stress of the young person. Due to the positive engagement with the service they noted their child’s condition quickly improve.
It was noted that the current model followed was to make treatment as easy as possible by doing the right thing in the right place, but in terms of bloods being taken at home it was not a service that was currently offered.
It was acknowledged that the future in mind policy change in 2015 acknowledged the issues outlined by the Member and at that time separate funding was made available to provide a community eating disorder service. Following the pandemic there has been an increase in need and therefore people needed to be made aware of services available to them. Additionally an important part of the service was to ensure staff were upskilled to recognised early need. It was also noted that pre-Covid there had been training undertaken in school and college settings but during the pandemic this was limited.
Members were made aware that the young people who presented themselves for help generally did not self refer, but family who took the initial steps, therefore promotion tended to focus on pastoral teams in education settings. It was also explained that more mechanisms were in place to support and challenge education settings where it was felt support for the young person was not available.
The Executive Director concluded the discussion by outlining there were two issues that required addressing locally but some discussions were impeded by national policy decisions. Unfortunately some families were impacted by the way services were provided through the translation of national policy. Locally the dialogue between partners had improved greatly and schools were far better engaged, the service was not perfect but everyone was listening to ensure change in mental health pathways were a priority.
Recruitment challenges – In response to a question it was explained that the position was similar nationally. The Childrens and Young Peoples programme for eating disorders was launched nationally with investment made in the service and pre covid there was enough investment to fill posts. The ICB was now focusing on workforce development with plans regionally to support people interested in this particular area of work. As a service it had creatively offered psychology and nursing placements to make it an attractive place to work.
Family support – It was explained that the baseline treatment was a family based approach (those who were caring for the young person) around anorexia nervosa. A multi family therapy 4 days course, support groups, work with siblings if necessary was offered. With regard to family support groups, it was reported that the multi family therapy was a good example of support. Parents who have taken part then tended to develop their own links but the service offered, for example, Tea and Talk and an online support group. It was stressed that if work was undertaken by the family approach treatment it was twice as effective.
Poster design – the Chair questioned if the service worked with the Youth Councillors to seek views on how posters should look and read bearing in mind their recent work on eating disorders. It was explained that the service does work with the Youth Council and also ex-service users and patients that were nearing discharge and an area the service was keen to develop further.
RECOMMENDED that:
1. Figures be provided to the Panel on how many young people have presented themselves with an eating disorder;
2. Ask that the Health and Well-being Board give consideration to the Eating Disorder Service; and
3. The Eating Disorder Service be championed and ask that it be lobbied both locally and nationally.
8
Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan and Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions
Attachments:
- Document CYP O&S MASTER WORK PLAN FINAL 202425 180724 10 Jul 2024
- Document CYP O&S Forward Plan 180724 10 Jul 2024
Minutes
The Senior Governance Officer presented the Council’s Forward Plan of Key Decisions and the Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan for discussion.
RESOLVED that the information, be noted.
RESOLVED that the information, be noted.
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