|
item
|
comments
|
action
|
|
Apologies
|
Tina Stockman had sent her apologies that she would be late
|
|
|
The Corrieneuchin Project
|
Muriel Henderson described the project which is funded jointly by Children First (formerly RSSPCC) and Aberdeen City Council for children and young people 0-18 (majority are 7-10 on referral) who have been abused. Its first period of funding ends in March 2001, but hope was expressed that it would be able to continue beyond that time.
It is a counselling and support service in which the young people themselves set the agenda. Referrals are taken from anyone, including young people themselves, and there is a referral panel. The project works with whoever in the family wishes support, usually for a 6-9 month period, although there is a review every 3 months. Staff include workers with social work training, 2 counsellors, 1 family with family therapy training, and 75% have a Certificate in Child Protection. 11% are self-referrals.
Evaluation from young people and parents is positive. Muriel offered to answer any later queries which people might have if they contact her by phone.
|
All network members to take the information back to their respective guidance teams. Thanks to Muriel from the group for a helpful and interesting session.
|
|
On-line Careers Guidance
|
The network had was given information about the new initiative which is being taken by Grampian Careers to offer an online internet based extension to its careers guidance service. It will be online next month (June 2000) for a trial period and will be up and running in the autumn. We had a demonstration of what internet version might look like, and were informed about the structure (attached).
The website address will be www.grampiancareers.com
|
All network members to take the information back to their respective guidance teams. Thanks to all the members of the Grampian Careers team who are developing this initiative.
|
|
Procedures for persistent absenteeism
|
Charles, Muir (Assistant Director, Services to the Public) discussed with us with us issues relating to non-attendance procedures, to which he attached huge importance.
He explained the background to the Home School Liaison service, which has emerged from what was the School Welfare Service since reorganisation in 1996. Although staffing was only 6 HSLOs now, a lot of the tasks which they used to do (eg clothing grants, placing requests) had been removed to enable them to concentrate on the core service. HSLOs are deployed around the city on a needs basis based on the distribution of chromic cases. The main features are
-
early intervention
-
fast track procedures
-
devolved and delegated powers
-
standardised procedures
There has been some criticism that the procedures are too standardised (this was never intended) and that there are some steps missing.
The meeting discussed whether the procedures deal with the root causes of non-attendance, and it was generally agreed that they do not necessarily do so.
At present a review group is looking at the operation of the service. IT consists of Charles Muir, the HSLOs, Ann Landels, Janet Davidson (St Machar Academy), Audrey Walker (Smithfield School). Charles suggested that the Aberdeen Guidance Network might contribute two members to the group. The review group could be assisted by guidance teachers to look at some of the root causes and recommend how they could be tackled.
Other issues discussed were
-
Was the decrease in tasks commensurate with the reduction of staff of the HSL service?
-
In the medium to long term what training an experience are needed by HSLOs?
-
A seminar/conference should be organised to look at the issues that underlie absenteeism. Charles suggested that this was an important priority
-
How can available funding be allocated to address the issues?
-
How can we deal with situations where young people are carers?
-
How does the HSL service tie in with what is happening in new community schools?
-
How can the curricular issues be addressed, eg inappropriate curriculum?
-
How can HSLOs be better integrated into the whole educational effort (one effect of the reorganisation of the service was that it reduced their visibility)
-
Torry Academy has a member of staff who works full time on home school liaison, and where this has made a considerable positive difference. How can the lessons learned from Torry be implemented elsewhere?
-
There is little evidence that prosecutions generally work.
|
Network members will ask in school for volunteers to join the review group for the HSL service.
Christine
|
|
Action plan for Aberdeen Guidance Network
|
Terry outlined the finance available for development days, and distributed a handout explained what was available and how we needed to compile an action plan
|
Each network member would have the issues and handout discussed at a guidance meeting and let Terry have any suggestions over the next two weeks. We need to know what our guidance development priorities should be, and what projects would help us achieve them.
|
|
Guidance policy development in Aberdeen
|
Terry gave a short update on the consultation which is taking place this term and next term on the revision of the guidance policy/handbook
|
Schools would be sent initial consultation document early next term.
|
|
Staff development
|
Terry reminded network members to look out for the Authority’s staff development handbook, which would be made available to schools shortly. It would contain all courses known so far, including guidance/PSE courses.
|
Network members would ensure that guidance teams were aware of the handbook.
|
|
Confidentiality
|
Terry briefly updated members on the working group dealing with confidentiality and data protection. This includes in formation schools pass on to Careers Service. More details would be available at a later date.
|
Terry will inform guidance teams as soon as information is available.
|
