Decision - Review of Partnership Agreements (S75 Agreement) and implications of the 2009 Apprenticeship, Children, Learning & Skills Act.

1.       That the principles of the proposed S75 agreements as outlined in paragraphs 3.6 and 3.7 and Appendices 1 and 2 of the report be approved.

2.       That the new duties in relation to establishing a Children’s Trust Board outlined in paragraphs 3.9 to 3.12 and in Appendix 3 of the report be noted; and the Director of Children’s Services be requested to bring forward detailed proposals to meet those duties for approval at the next Board meeting.

1.       To address the need to review the existing partnership arrangements in relation to Children’s Services and frame these within clear and relevant s75 agreements.

2.       To address the need to review the implications of the 2009 Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009.

Termination of the partnership arrangements would undermine the 2009-12 Children and Young People’s Plan which sets out the council’s intention, with its partners, to continue to make arrangements to deliver the 5 essential features of a Children’s Trust: a child and family centred outcome led vision; interagency governance, integrated strategy and processes and the delivery of integrated front line services organised around the needs of children and young people and their families.  The Section 75 agreement is the keystone of that integrated service.