Perth and Kinross Community Learning and Development Plan 2021-2024 - Phase 1 Update Report
Perth and Kinross Council · 11 March 2024
Back to Learning and Families Committee — 11 March 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
Perth And Kinross Council Learning And Families Committee 11 March 2024 PERTH AND KINROSS COMMUNITY LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2021-24 - PHASE 1 UPDATE REPORT David Stokoe, Service Manager – Communities, Perth & Kinross Council (Report No. 24/81) 1. PURPOSE 1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide the Learning and Families with an update on Community Learning and Development (CLD) work completed in the first phase of the current CLD Plan, running from October 2021 to March 2023. 2. RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 It is recommended that Committee: • Notes the progress made in delivering Phase 1 of the Community Learning and Development Plan, • notes areas for improvement, priorities for Phase 2 of the action plan and arrangements for Education Scotland Progress Visits. 3. STRUCTURE OF REPORT 3.1 This report is structured over the following sections: • Section 4: Background/Main Issues • Section 5: CLD Plan Year 1 Performance Report • Section 6: Areas for Improvement • Section 7: Next Steps • Section 8: Conclusion • Appendices 4. BACKGROUND / MAIN ISSUES 4.1 Community Learning and Development (CLD) provides individual, family and group learning in community settings, in ways which enable and equip people to improve their lives. 4.2 Education Scotland holds the statutory inspection and regulatory role for CLD in Scotland. The regulatory framework includes The Requirements for Community Learning and Development (Scotland) Regulations 2013, the Strategic Guidance for Community Planning Partnerships: Community
Page 2
Learning and Development (2012) and Section 2 of the Education (Scotland) Act 1980. 4.3 Under the 2013 Regulations, Councils must identify the CLD needs of target individuals and groups within their Local Authority Area and prepare and publish a 3-year CLD Plan setting out strategic aims for CLD services delivered by all Community Planning Partners. This Plan sets out the commitments of Perth & Kinross Council (PKC), its partners in the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) and wider CLD agencies to deliver CLD which enables better outcomes for all and tackles stubborn inequality. 4.4 PKC has a statutory duty to coordinate and produce a CLD Plan which contributes to achieving the objectives of the CPP to address inequalities. The CLD approach is founded on working alongside people and communities to improve their lives. It uses early intervention and prevention to address the root causes, not just the symptoms, of inequality. It is about building strong, resilient, influential and inclusive communities, and improving life chances for everyone through learning, employability, personal development and active citizenship. 4.5 The Plan is a strategic framework for all Council CLD functions and wider CLD delivery partners. Within PKC CLD is delivered by a range of core teams embedded in key services and overseen by the Stronger Communities Leadership Group. The group comprises of Service Managers and Senior Team Leaders from PKC services delivering community work plus key partners, Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS) and Culture Perth and Kinross (CPK). 4.6 The CLD Plan covers the period October 2021-September 2024. The Phase 1 Action Plan focused on the recovery and renewal of our communities following the Covid-19 pandemic which significantly increased inequalities faced by some of our most vulnerable adults, families and young people. The Plan also focused on ensuring key 3rd sector partners and community organisations could re-build their capacity to deliver their work with communities. The Plan was approved by Lifelong Learning Committee in November 2021 and can be found here - Perth and Kinross Community Learning and Development Plan (pkc.gov.uk) 4.7 The phase 2 Action Plan has been produced in line with the new Council Corporate Objectives, covering the period April 2023 to March 2024. 5. PHASE 1 PERFORMANCE REPORT 5.1 The CLD Plan identified the following priorities as a focus for CLD activity for Phase 1 of the Plan 2021/ 2022 - • Poverty (including Child, Food and Fuel Poverty) • Mental and physical wellbeing • Family Learning. • Employability and Adult learning.
Page 3
• Digital participation • Raising attainment • Best start. • Community empowerment 5.2 Key Achievements from Phase 1 Giving every child the best start in life Support for Families 5.2.1 The Parenting and Family Learning Team delivered 96 family support programmes, including infant massage, Home Coaching one to ones, Incredible Years and family sessions within HMP Perth, which resulted in- • 64% increase in the number of male carers receiving support. • 9 Gypsy Traveller families engaging in support using Starter Sacks which contain a range of materials and activities to encourage child centred play at home and to involve parents in their children’s learning. • Additional support to Romanian families with very little English to help complete the Basic Incredible Years programme. These programmes provide parents with both the skills and confidence to support their children’s development. 5.2.2 435 children benefitted from Play Practitioners delivering a range of programmes for schools within the playground environment, supporting children’s health and wellbeing. 5.2.3 The “Families Empowering Communities” project commenced in April 2021 to support children and families in Crieff and Letham. During the summer of 2021 the project delivered family activities to 355 children from Letham and engaged 121 families in outdoor sport activities and arts and craft sessions. The project also facilitated Place Standard Conversations with 200 children from Crieff and Letham to help shape new service provision leading to • 29 children participating in two 8-week wellbeing programmes designed by their peers. • 12 children designed and participated in a John Muir Discovery Award programme. The John Muir Discovery award is an environmental award, enabling families to discover areas in their local community using a treasure hunt theme, develop numeracy and literacy skills and share a family picnic together. • 44 families signed up for the John Muir Family packs, enabling families to complete the award at a time and pace that suited their needs, developing their confidence and skills. The award encouraged families to share what they had learnt through building a photo montage of their experiences and learning.
Page 4
Childrens Rights 5.2.4 April 2021 saw the introduction of a children’s rights advocacy service to address and minimise the impact of Covid 19 on children and young people. Services for Young People Children’s Rights Officer supported children and young people at a variety of meetings, including child protection case conferences, core group meetings, looked after care reviews and young person’s planning meetings. Over 30 children and young people were supported to be actively involved in making decisions about their care plans. 5.2.5 Services for Young People Children's Rights Officer supported 12 schools to achieve bronze level Rights Respecting Schools status and 13 schools have progressed to silver status with 3 have progressing to gold. This helps to ensure that the voices of children and young people are heard and their rights respected. Developing educated, responsible and informed citizens Achievement Awards 5.3.1 534 young people were supported to achieve a variety of youthwork awards, with 43 young people attending an awards ceremony at Holyrood Palace to receive their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. These awards help young people develop their wider skills and confidence outside formal education. 5.3.2 80 young people volunteered to support delivery of extracurricular school sport and physical Activity as part of the Active Schools Programme. 3 young people achieved an SQA qualification in Sports and Dance Leaders and 21 achieved a Scottish Governing Body Coaching/Officiating Qualification. This supports both the development of positive health and wellbeing in young people and gives them new skills and confidence outside of formal education. Support for Young People 5.3.3 Perth and Kinross Council Services for Young People developed a series of Health & Wellbeing courses. These were attended by 18 young people with an additional 6 care experienced young people accessing 1-1 counselling sessions and 4 young people accessing a series of art sessions. This helped support the wellbeing of these young people. 5.3.4 Perth and Kinross Services for Young People Bail supervision programme engaged 73 young people aged 16- 25 (up to the age of 26 for care leavers) to reduce reoffending. This work is delivered in partnership with Criminal Justice, Scottish Courts and other relevant organisations. A number of young people were provided with an intensive support package whilst other young people at risk of offending engaged in diversionary activities.
Page 5
Developing a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy Supporting Young People into Employment 5.4.1 Services for Young People supported 47 young people on Activity Agreements. Activity Agreements' help school leavers gain skills and confidence and plans are developed to help young people prepare for employment, training, education and/or volunteering. The young person must be aged 16 to 19 years old, not be in a job, education or training. They receive support from an Activity Agreement key worker and work on an individual plan to help you reach their goals. Their agreement could include music, arts, sport or outdoor activities. They can also take part in group activities with other local participants and get involved in community projects. 39 young people entered positive destinations, included, higher education, employment in the care sector, retail, landscaping, hairdressing, hospitality and mechanics. 5.4.2 Services for Young People also worked with local businesses to develop sector-based skills academies in construction, outdoor education and care. 10 young people gained valuable skills in each of these sectors. Adult Learning 5.4.3 1049 adult learners achieved their learning outcomes, including SQA qualifications in Communication and Numeracy, Food Hygiene, Employability, Life skills and English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL). During Phase 1 of the plan delivery of classes shifted from being entirely online to a mix of face to face and on-line learning, allowing engagement with more learners in a variety of settings. This helped learners progress into employment, further education or volunteering. 5.4.4 726 community volunteers received upskilling training using the PKC Volunteer Upskilling Fund. Skills developed included First Aid, Food Hygiene, Sports Coaching qualifications, mental health awareness training and MIDAS training for minibus drivers. This helped develop the capacity of community groups, as well as providing individuals with new skills and confidence. 5.4.5 Housing’s digital inclusion project delivered a range of tailored approaches for Tenants, enabling them to access information and financial support online. It also provided those who were digitally excluded access to devices and the internet. To date, over 100 tenants have been supported through the project. Supporting people to lead independent, healthy and active lives Homelessness 5.5.1 Church Action for the Homeless (CATH) developed activities to support people at risk of homelessness to increase their confidence and self-esteem. Activities included a walking group, outdoor activities at Willowgate Centre and a fitness group.
Page 6
Community Food 5.5.2 35 Community Food projects were supported to develop their capacity and establish local food networks meaning communities are better able to address issues of food insecurity through building cooking skills, raising ability to access good quality food and increase information available regarding cash first approaches. Older People 5.5.3 The Wellbeing project for older people delivered by Housing Services worked with over 50 socially isolated older people in Perth city and Invergowrie to provide them with 1-1 support and set up local lunch clubs. The project is currently working with a local primary school to develop an intergenerational garden at a local allotment site. 5.5.4 Support for those Seeking Asylum and Refugees CLD functions and partners provided a wide range of activities and support to individuals displaced from the Ukraine, in addition to the individual’s seeking asylum and housed in the Station and Queens Hotels in Perth. Activities have included free gym membership with Live Active Leisure, provision of bikes from Perth Bike Station and ESOL classes from Crossing Borders, PKAVS, PKC and Perth College. This support has continued and been refined as we better understand the needs of these groups. Creating a safe and sustainable place for future generations 5.6.1 136 environmental improvement groups were supported to help maintain the core path network, open spaces and carry out local litter picks. Annual funding was provided to bloom groups to help them improve the appearance of their towns and villages by public displays of flowers and plants. 5.6.2 The tenant led Housing’s Estate Based Initiatives Project allowed tenants to identify specific projects which they felt would improve the community where they lived, with a particular focus on the environment and safety. In the reporting period 77 projects were identified throughout Perth and Kinross with a total spend of £189K. 6. AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT 6.1.1 Developing a joined-up approach to promoting and supporting volunteering across Perth and Kinross has not yet been possible due of changes within PKAVS, however discussions have been progressing. This work will be completed in Phase 2 of the Action plan with the launch of a new volunteering website. 6.1.2 The Integration of employability support programmes and adult learning to provide wrap around support has not progressed as quickly as we would have
Page 7
wished. The Economic Development Senior Project Officer with responsibility for employability programmes has joined the Stronger Communities Leadership Group and has provided an overview of opportunities across Perth and Kinross. Support programmes are also being introduced alongside locality working, such as Letham and the opening of the Hub. 6.1.3 A Participatory Budgeting (PB) project to commission 3rd sector groups to provide health and wellbeing projects did not take place due to changes to the allocated budget, which was repurposed to pilot Community Circles. There was also little overall progress towards the PKC 1% PB budget allocation in Phase 1 of the Plan. Phase 2 of the plan will see increased PB activity with the Local Action Partnerships leading a Climate Change and Cost of Living Project. 6.1.4 Development of a Parent’s Network has been delayed. The aim was to deliver shared interest sessions that enabled parents, carers and service providers to come together to share and develop thinking that can inform service developments and planning. To be progressed in Phase 2 of the plan. 7. NEXT STEPS 7.1 Transformation and Locality Working 7.1.1 A review of how PKC engages with communities has taken place as part of the Council’s Transformation programme. This review looked at the methods PKC uses to consult communities, localised decision-making structures and access to PKC grant programmes. The outcomes from this work will support CLD functions to more effectively support those in most need. Ensuring they are able to engage with local decision-making forums, have access to funding and resources and are supported to play an active part in their communities. The PKC leadership restructure will further support this approach, with CLD functions combined within the Economy, Place and Learning Directorate. 7.1.2 PKC with support from Community Planning Partners has been piloting approaches to locality working in Letham, Highland Perthshire and Coupar Angus. Preparatory work has also begun in Crieff. Locality working will- • Build stronger relationships between services, partners and communities. • Consider new ways to deliver services which are joined up, flexible and responsive to the needs of communities, based on feedback and supported by evidence. • Develop a collaborative approach with partners to co-design services that meet needs. • Take a focussed approach to tackle inequalities and poverty. • Support our workforce to be empowered and make decisions and to take forward a “no wrong door” approach.
Page 8
CLD functions will be integral to the successful delivery of locality working, providing a valuable insight into the needs and assets of communities, as well as being able to work with 3rd sector groups to deliver a wide range of programmes. 7.2 Priorities for Phase 2 Action Plan The Phase 2 Action Plan will continue to deliver against the priorities of the CLD Plan outlined in paragraph 3.1, with a particular focus on – • Delivering play activities for children and families. • Establishing an Additional Support Needs Parents Network to support delivery of ‘shared interest’ sessions that facilitate good communication with parents, carers and service providers. • Providing ESOL provision to refugees and people seeking asylum. • Developing digital skills in young people and adults to allow them to access on-line support services and develop skills for employment. • Delivering community cook-it classes across Perth and Kinross to improve people’s skills and confidence for cooking on a budget. • Developing a clear volunteer offer to people interested in volunteering. • Delivering a Participatory Budgeting programme to support community groups to address climate change and the cost-of-living crisis. • Assessing and understand the needs of older people in Perth and Kinross for actions in year 3 of the CLD Action Plan and implementing “Age Friendly Communities.” 7.3 Self- Evaluation As part of the process of continual self-improvement all Council and partner CLD functions are completing a self-evaluation exercise to assess how well they are collectively performing against key indicators from the Education Scotland Inspection Framework, “How Good is our Community Learning and Development?” These indicators relate to – • How data is used to shape provision • Impact of delivery on those we work with • Governance and leadership of CLD The self-evaluation document will be a key part of our evidence in the Education Scotland Progress Visit scheduled to take place in the next 6 months. The Progress Visit will assess delivery of the CLD Plan 2021-24 and the shaping of Phase 2 priorities, including work delivered by Community Planning Partners. As part of the Progress Visits CLD functions and Partners will be required by Education Scotland to present evidence of progress and delivery against the quality indicators listed above and provide opportunities for the inspection team to observe and speak to learners, community groups and partner organisations.
Page 9
8. CONCLUSION 8.1 This report sets out progress made in delivering Phase 1 of the Statutory Community Learning and Development Plan, areas for improvement, priorities for Phase 2 and arrangements for Education Scotland Progress Visits. Committee is asked to – i. Note the progress made in delivering year 1 of the CLD Plan. ii. Note priorities for phase 2 of the CLD Plan iii. Note the Education Scotland Progress Visit. Author(s) Name Designation Contact Details David Stokoe Service Manager Communities dstokoe@pkc.gov.uk Approved Name Designation Date Fiona Robertson Head Of Service Culture and Community Services 1 March 2024 Reports to be presented to a Member / Officer Group, Committee, Sub- Committee or the Council must be signed off by the Chief Executive or the relevant Executive Director.
Page 10
ANNEX 1. IMPLICATIONS, ASSESSMENTS, CONSULTATION AND COMMUNICATION The undernoted table should be completed for all reports. Where the answer is ‘yes’, the relevant section(s) should also be completed. Where the answer is ‘no’, the relevant section(s) should be marked ‘not available (n/a)’. Strategic Implications Yes / None Community Plan / Single Outcome Agreement Yes Corporate Plan Yes Resource Implications Financial n/a Workforce n/a Asset Management (land, property, IST) n/a Assessments Equality Impact Assessment n/a Strategic Environmental Assessment n/a Sustainability (community, economic, environmental) n/a Legal and Governance n/a Risk n/a Consultation Internal n/a External n/a Communication Communications Plan n/a 1. Strategic Implications Community Plan/Single Outcome Agreement 1.1 This report supports all of the priorities within the Community Plan 2022-27. (i) Reducing Poverty (including child poverty, fuel poverty and food poverty) (ii) Mental and physical wellbeing (iii) Digital participation (iv) Skills, learning and development (v) Employability
Page 11
Corporate Plan 1.2 This report supports the objectives within the draft new Corporate Plan:- (i) Children and young people grow up safe, respected, well-educated, and confident in their ability to realise their full potential; (ii) People and businesses are increasingly able to prosper in a local economy which support low carbon ambitions and offers opportunities for all; (iii) People can achieve their best physical and mental health and have access to quality care and support when they need it; (iv) Communities are resilient and physically, digital and socially connected; (v) Perth and Kinross is a safe and vibrant place, mitigating the impact of climate and environmental change for this and future generations. 2. Resource Implications Financial 2.1 n/a Workforce 2.2 n/a Asset Management (land, property, IT) 2.3 n/a 3. Assessments n/a Equality Impact Assessment n/a 3.1 Under the Equality Act 2010, the Council is required to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between equality groups. Carrying out Equality Impact Assessments for plans and policies allows the Council to demonstrate that it is meeting these duties. The Equality Impact Assessment undertaken in relation to this report can be viewed clicking here.
Page 12
This section should reflect that the proposals have been considered under the Corporate Equalities Impact Assessment process (EqIA) with the following outcome: (i) Assessed as not relevant for the purposes of EqIA Strategic Environmental Assessment Note – further information on Strategic Environmental Assessment is available on eric 3.2 The Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 places a duty on the Council to identify and assess the environmental consequences of its proposals. This section should reflect that the proposals have been considered under the Act and [choose appropriate statement]: Option 1 However, no action is required as the Act does not apply to the matters presented in this report. This is because the Committee are requested to note the contents of the report only and the Committee are not being requested to approve, adopt or agree to an action or to set the framework for future decisions. Sustainability Note – further information on Sustainable Development is available on eric 3.3 n/a Legal and Governance 3.4 n/a Risk 3.6 n/a 4. Consultation Internal 4.1 Community Learning and Development Leadership Group External 4.2 n/a
Page 13
5. Communication 5.1 n/a 2. BACKGROUND PAPERS Community Learning and Development Strategy Phase 1 Action Plan Phase 1 Performance Framework