Sheffield Children and Young People’s
0-19+ Partnership Board
Minutes of the Workshop Session held on Friday 6th February 2009
Present:
Councillor Andrew Sangar (Chair), Sheffield City Council
Peter Mucklow (CYPD Director of PPPS)
Jayne Ludlam (CYPD Director of Children’s Specialist Services)
Frances Cunning, NHS Sheffield
Chris Sharratt, Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Robert Bailey, NHS Sheffield (Non-Executive Director)
Dina Martin, Primary School Headteachers
Marian Holly, Special School Headteachers
Alan Jones, Sheffield Safeguarding Children Board
Mike Killingley, SASGB
Sylvia Johnson, Sheffield Hallam University
Lesley Pollard, VCF Sector
Ian Clifford, VCF Sector
Sarah Newton, VCF Sector
Sharron Baroudi, VCF Sector
Simon Verrall, SY Police Partnerships
Kerry Jones, CYPD Partnership Manager
Alex Ottley, CYPD Partnership Officer
John Sanderson, CYPD (minutes)
Apologies:
Dr Sonia Sharp, Executive Director of Children’s Services
Andy Peaden, Youth Offending Service
Sandra Tomlinson, SASGB
Clare Bonson, LSC
Simon Kirk, NHS Sheffield
John Evans, Sheffield Futures
Dr Ian Davidson, General Practitioners
Farah Naz-Khan, VCF Sector
Alan Marshall, (CYPD Director of Service Districts)
Also Present
Bethan Plant / Ellie Brown (NHS Sheffield) (item 1)
Gill Ellis (CYPD Service Manager: Personalisation and Inclusion)
Four Members of the Sheffield Youth Council
Observers
Jackie Lincoln (Children’s Services Adviser)
Kirstie Haines (Sheffield First Partnership)
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Sheffield Children and Young People’s
0-19+ Partnership Board
1.
Childhood Obesity in Sheffield
1.1 Introduction
Frances Cunning introduced the item on childhood obesity, outlining the
national and local context for the childhood obesity agenda in Sheffield. The
presentation to the Board would highlight the priorities which had been
identified, including the continuation of the National Child Measurement
Programme (NCMP), the delivery of the new Sheffield Healthy Towns
programme and the establishment of a pathway for the prevention and
treatment of childhood obesity.
Addressing childhood obesity was a priority within the Children and Young
People’s Plan “Being Healthy” domain. The Y6 obesity prevalence target and
National Child Measurement Programme coverage target for Y6 (NI 56a and
NI 56b were also included in the Local Area Agreement.
The interactive workshop would focus on the issues and obstacles facing the
city in relation to this agenda, particularly the links to the bullying agenda, and
how the 0-19+ Partnership Board could ensure all partners were engaged in
identifying and supporting the solutions.
1.2 Presentation
Bethan Plant, Health Improvement Principal, NHS Sheffield, gave a
presentation to the Board on childhood obesity in Sheffield.
(a) Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives 2008
This initiative prioritised;
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Healthy growth and development of children through supporting
breastfeeding, identifying of “at risk” families, investing in Healthy Schools
and Change4Life
Promoting healthier food choices through the Healthy Food Code of
Practice, further review of food advertising to children restrictions and the
promotion of Local Authority powers to limit the spread of fast food outlets
Building physical activity into our lives through investment in the Healthy
Towns Programme, exploring new ways to support parents to reduce
sedentary activity and reviewing the national approach to physical activity
Creating incentives for better health through incentives for individuals,
employers and the NHS, working with employers to create healthy
workplaces and piloting personal financial incentives
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0-19+ Partnership Board
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Personalised advice and support through developing the NHS Choices
website and increased funding to support the commissioning of weight
management services
(b) National Child Measurement Programme
This programme was now in its fourth year of data collection. There was 100%
school participation in the city and routine feedback to parents had been
introduced. There was a requirement of weighing and measuring 85% of YR
and Y6 children and there remained concern locally at parental opt out,
particularly as these might often be from families with obese children.
(c) NHS Sheffield’s Strategy: Achieving Balanced Health
This Strategy included;
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Saving lives and reducing the gap in life expectancy
Organising health services so that they remained affordable and everyone
receiving the highest quality, personalised services
Nine priority areas, including the health of children and young people
World class commissioning and becoming a “Premier PCT”
(d) Partnership Working
The Local Area Agreement developed within the Sheffield First Partnership
structures included a target on child obesity at Y6.
A Children’s Joint Commissioning Group had been established and obesity had
been identified as a priority area for joint commissioning.
(e) Childhood Obesity in Sheffield
Sheffield had the highest levels of adult obesity and lowest levels of physical
activity of the 8 English core cities and obesity in children was increasing as
was the number of births.
Childhood obesity brought both physical and psychological health
consequences and an increased risk of becoming an obese adult.
The NCMP results for YR and Y6 children were given, for the city generally and
by Service District, showing a rise in the % of children overweight or obese.
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Sheffield Children and Young People’s
0-19+ Partnership Board
(f) Sheffield Childhood Obesity Model
The Sheffield Childhood Obesity model was one of;
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Universal prevention, creating communities, neighbourhoods and services
that supported all children and families in maintaining a healthy weight
Targeted prevention, to provide more intensive support to those at high risk
of becoming overweight or obese
High quality support for children and families already overweight
(g) Where Are We Now?
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Annual Every Child Matters consultation, to include play, bullying and
healthy eating
Strong partnership arrangements
Citywide consensus on the approach to tackling obesity
Appraised different treatment models
Existing good practice
- Healthy Schools
- Food in Sheffield (5 A DAY)
- Active Sheffield
- Healthy Cities
(h) Attainment and Attendance / Obesity: The Links
Factors influencing attainment and attendance in terms of reduced childhood
obesity included;
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A quality dining room environment
Nutritional school meals and lunchboxes
Increasing levels of physical activity
Improved behaviour
Increased self esteem and reduced social isolation
Breakfast Clubs targeting attendance
Readiness for learning, being “On Task”
Fewer days off school through illness
(i) 2008 Activity
Activity in 2008 included;
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NHS Sheffield and Sheffield City Council commissioned 5 year plan
Successful Healthy Towns bid
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0-19+ Partnership Board
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Commissioning community-based weight management service for children
and families
Commissioning a pilot tertiary service for obese children and young people
Developing the NCMP with feedback to parents in 2008/9 and continuing
targeted Healthy Schools work
(j) Sheffield Healthy Towns Programme
Sheffield City Council and NHS Sheffield were successful in their joint bid to
deliver a Healthy Towns pilot to prevent childhood obesity. This was a £10m
programme running to March 2011.
Components of the Sheffield Healthy Towns Programme would include;
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A Breastfeeding Friendly city
Parents as Positive Role Models for Healthy Eating
Schools at the Heart of Healthy Communities
Living Neighbourhoods
Healthy Open Spaces
Change4Life
Community Health Champions
Cross Sector Innovation
There would be a launch of the Sheffield Healthy Towns Programme, linking
with a Sheffield Change for Life event.
(k) Aspirations
The aspirations were to be internationally recognised as leading the way in
tackling childhood obesity, to deliver a robust long-term programme of activities
to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity in Sheffield and for partners
across all sectors to commit to delivering the childhood obesity agenda.
(l) Achievements
Achievements in tackling childhood obesity included;
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NCMP coverage and robust data set
Targeted Healthy Schools support
Secured funding from DoH to support commissioning and planning
5 Year plan drafted
Successful Healthy Towns bid
Partnership with Leeds University to bring the Watch-It model to Sheffield
Piloting in 2 secondary schools a lunchtime “stay on site” policy
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(m) The Vicious Cycle of Childhood Obesity
The cycle of childhood obesity was graphically demonstrated, beginning with
high fat foods and minimal activity leading to a mildly obese child. An extra
10lbs in weight would lead to a moderately obese child with inhibited
movement, poor at sports, having difficulty in climbing stairs.
A further increase in weight of 20-50lbs would lead to a severely obese child
where exercise would become uncomfortable and painful and who would have
low self-esteem.
A severely obese child would likely suffer asthma, diabetes and
musculoskeletal disease preventing exercise and bringing on depression and
low esteem and often become an obese adult at risk of coronary artery disease,
pulmonary disease, high medical bills and mortality.
(n) Obstacles to Reducing Childhood Obesity
Obstacles to reducing childhood obesity included;
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The role of advertising
Family priorities
Convenience culture
Societal attitudes
Blame culture
Perception of “nanny state”
Competing priorities
(o) Bullying and Obesity
The study of the attitudes of children towards physical disability has shown that
when asked to rate images of other children in order of preference, the
overweight child was consistently ranked bottom. Research into children’s
attitudes towards their obese peers has demonstrated that obese children were
viewed as lazy, dirty and ugly.
Sheffield was currently developing an anti-bullying strategy. Schools return
bullying data based on DCSF guidance, with 95% compliance. Many schools
report zero incidence of bullying, however ECM school level data contradicted
this.
SEAL primary and secondary included bullying, and the Sheffield Youth Council
had identified bullying as one of its priorities.
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1.3 Workshops
The Board went into Workshop session tasked with the question;
“Childhood obesity is a multi-faceted problem which requires a multi-faceted
approach. How will the 0-19+ Partnership Board members within both
individual roles and as a collective ensure a joined up approach to tackling this
issue?
The results from the Workshop session are given below.
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The weighing and measurement process was now right but we need to
engage better with parents, particularly those who opt their children out of
the programme
Did parents receive letters about the weight of their child?
Parents should receive information about alternative formats / interpretation
Training for parents on portion size and balanced diet
Parents as role models
Whole family approach – joined up approach with a single support worker
Family therapy
Positive messages
Need quality packed lunches for nursery and YR children
Pilot free set school meals in primary (Finland experience)
Denial from parents begins around Y6 time (and children do not want to be
weighed and measured)
With BME groups it is not necessarily what they eat at home but the snacks
eaten between meals
Eating variations across the city and between communities
Pilot programmes in different areas of the city and evaluate
Safeguarding issues if child undernourished
Community / voluntary settings are important in terms of messaging
We underestimate what children know about healthy eating
Can healthy food be subsidised?
Early Years settings and schools should work together
Obese children often have emotional issues
Portion size – need to understand better the calorific value
Sitting at a dining table
Look at the length of the school lunch time and activities available to
children during this time
Research the effectiveness of programmes designed to combat childhood
obesity
Target overweight mothers to be in their first pregnancy
Identify where energy should be directed – prevention / cure
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Sheffield Children and Young People’s
0-19+ Partnership Board
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MIND exercise nutrition diet
Encourage “Mini – MIND” (nutrition) in Sure Start
Corrective intervention in high risk cases – offer of care from agencies
Understand eating behaviours
Link to current environment
Need to look at both physical / mental health at tertiary level
Sheffield First priority
Develop clear pathways of support with a clear referral system
Ensure practical solutions
Primary School interventions and involvement of Primary School
Headteachers
Engage parents
Referral
Training
Encourage breastfeeding – this will assist some children in ascertaining
healthy portions for themselves
Need to clarify what we are trying to achieve and avoid mixed messages
Obstacles
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Unhealthy food
Portion size
Inactivity
Not working together across initiatives
There are 8 strands with 3 priorities each
Need to re-think school lunchtime window
To Consider
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How do we decide where fast food outlets are built / opened?
Are secondary school lunchtimes too late – children and young people get
hungry!
Promoting stay on site policy in secondary schools
What Can the 0-19+ Partnership Do?
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Link with existing work led by NHS Sheffield
Hold discussions with Headteachers re the lunchtime window and food
available to year groups
Communication must be improved – it is only strategic at the moment
Checklist for parents on healthy eating
Use data to drive the focus on 3 areas – babies, YR and Y6
Engage with parents
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Promote health eating, physical activity, walking to school, cycling
1.4 Recommendations
The 0-19+ Partnership Board;
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Acknowledged that obesity was a multi-faceted problem which required a
multi-faceted approach and partners across all sectors had an ongoing
contribution if it was to be tackled effectively
Agreed to continue to promote and support the delivery of NCMP in all
primary schools
Agreed to support the development of services to prevent childhood obesity,
focusing on early years and parenting skills
Encouraged schools to ensure that schools effectively addressed children
and young people’s wellbeing through the development of the Schools of
the 21st Century, specifically:
- schools adopting a whole school approach to wellbeing leading to
a positive impact on aspiration and attainment
- supporting secondary schools to implement new and innovative
models to ensure children stayed on site at lunch times
- schools promoting positive behaviour through effectively
addressing physical activity, healthy eating and emotional health
and wellbeing
Noted the imminent launch of the new Watch-It childhood obesity treatment
service and agreed to promote this to partners across the city
Tackling Guns, Gangs and Knife Crime in Sheffield
2.1 Introduction
Simon Verrall, SY Police Chief Inspector for Partnerships introduced the item
on the progress made in Sheffield on tackling guns, gangs and knife crime.
2.2 Presentation
(a) Background
Sheffield did not have a high profile gang problem as in other urban areas, such
as London, Birmingham and Manchester, but recent events had demonstrated
an emerging problem. Young people were associating themselves with
postcodes and different names associated primarily with their neighbourhood or
locality. The perception of the public in the city was that youth nuisance, gang
culture, levels of violence and use of weapons had increased.
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Sheffield Children and Young People’s
0-19+ Partnership Board
There was a small minority of young people engaged in criminal gang type
activity around the illegal drug market in defined locations and action needed to
be taken to prevent the development of this activity elsewhere across the city.
Images of young people posing with weapons and in groups increased the
concern and fear that some people had of young people and was damaging for
communities, the city and for all young people.
Gang culture and knives was now a major national concern and it required all to
work together to address the route causes of this behaviour. In order to ensure
that Sheffield remained a safe city it was necessary, through preventative
measures, to target young people at risk of being drawn into criminal gangs and
work with communities to help those disaffected young people within their area
re-engage with their community.
(b) National Context
The Home Office Tackling Gangs Action Programme (TGAP) was in place in
Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and London.
The Home Office Tackling Knives Action Programme (TKAP) initially included
10 areas but now also included South Yorkshire.
(c) Local Context
Gang related murders in Sheffield totalled one in January 2003 and five
between June 2006 and July 2008.
(d) Defining Gangs
There was no single definition which described specifically what a “gang” was
and it was necessary to avoid confusing peer identity and street culture with
gang membership. Every generation had subcultures to which they adhered.
Gangs were not a singular phenomenon and distinctions could be made
between;
 Peer Groups, small, unorganised transient groups
 Gangs, durable street based groups governed by codes of practice
 Organised criminal groups, for whom criminal activity was their “occupation”
and operation was focused on personal gain
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Sheffield Children and Young People’s
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Sheffield had adopted the TGAP definition of a gang:
“A group of 3 or more people who had a distinct identity (e.g. a name, badge or
emblem) which committed general criminal or anti social behaviour as part of
that identity or used (or was reasonably suspected of using) firearms of knives
in the commission of offences”
(e) Why Did People Join Gangs?
Young people involved in gangs tended to have grown up together, usually in
adverse circumstances, which already increased their risk of involvement in
crime. Educational establishments could be a major recruiting ground for
gangs, with many young people experiencing bullying. This could often drive
young people to join a gang for protection. Fear could also drive some to carry
a knife for personal protection.
Many forces could push young people in the direction of gangs, including;
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Enhanced status amongst friends and peers
A sense of belonging
Excitement
An opportunity to make money through illicit activities
Respect
Culture or fashion trends
Pushes away from a conventional lifestyle could include;
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Protection from a perceived risk (e.g. other gangs, bullying)
Feeling marginalised with gangs giving a sense of identity
Intensive recruiting or coercion
Neighbourhood “traditions”, family participation or involvement
(f) Gang Characteristics
There could be many characteristics of a gang. These included;
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Sharing a particular identity, possibly based on age, location, ethnicity, peer
networks or blood relationships
Having a name, usually the territory that they controlled
Strong, loyalty based with internal discipline restricting ability to leave
Offering status and personal security
Hierarchal with common interests and shared purpose
Effective structures and networks
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Sheffield Children and Young People’s
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Members drawn in gradually, often through petty crime and fighting, for
something to do or through pressure and then moving on to more serious
offences
The number of gang members aged 16 years or under had doubled during the
last 5 years and all levels had ready access to guns.
(g) Gang Structures
Gangs often had rules and were run like armies. Many who joined gangs
disengaged from their families and the gang would become their adopted
family.
Gangs would be male dominated and whilst girls would follow, they would not
heavily engage in activity. Leaders would determine strategies and plan gang
activity but would not get involved in committing offences. The foot soldiers
would be most at risk of being a victim of violent crime.
(h) Risk Factors Leading Young People to Gangs
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Behavioural problems / aggressive tendencies
Low educational attainment and aspiration
School absence / temporary exclusions
Limited / poor parental support, particularly the lack of a male role model
Black / Minority Ethnic / Mixed Heritage
Learning Difficulties
Existing offending history
Bullying – victim or offender
Involved in violence in or out of school
Low self esteem
Siblings / associates with criminal connections
Previously had a weapon confiscated
Influenced by respect, reputation or image
Wearing distinctive clothing beyond their means
Tattoos relating to gangs or to deceased gang members
Graffiti
Drug dealing
Drug use, notably cannabis
(i) SY Police Sheffield Gang Strategy
The SY Police Sheffield Gang Strategy included preventative diversionary
interventions in targeted localities. It also involved the gathering of intelligence
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Sheffield Children and Young People’s
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and information to support engagement, alongside communication with
communities.
Sheffield had also introduced a gang prevention model with a specific focus on
young people likely to become involved in gangs or the carrying of weapons.
This involved the Targeted Youth Support Team whose purpose was to work
with “at risk” young people, from the age of 8, in an attempt to steer them away
from gang activity.
(j) Solutions to Tackle Guns, Gangs and Knife Crime in Sheffield
The solutions to tackle guns, gangs and knife crime included;
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Early identification and intervention through referral
Managing risk by safeguarding young people from each other
Information
Relationships with schools
Prioritisation by partners
Offender management by supporting young people to exit from the gang
culture
Sustainable outcomes
Referral mechanisms for over 18s as the Youth Offending Service was not
replicated in adulthood
2.3 Workshop
The Board went into Workshop session tasked to consider issues around;
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Intervention by partners
Protection
Parental support
The discussions were supported by 2 Case Studies.
The results from the Workshop are given below.
(a) Intervention by Partners
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Pupils excluded from schools need the support of agencies
Early intervention by schools on identification of changes in patterns of
attendance
Risk of isolation of a pupil if a change of school due to exclusion. This could
push towards gang membership for support
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The role of Youth Workers – they need to engage with young people and
young people need to be able to share confidences with them
Would young people share their worries if they feared action that might be
taken (e.g. removal from the home)?
It was possible to identify vulnerable children at a very early age to begin
intervention support.
Multi-agency support services to identify key workers to take responsibility
Teenage years was too late for initial intervention
Peer pressure to be given an ASBO – it could lead to treats (i.e. activities /
days out) provided by agencies.
Perception of no rewards for good behaviour
Acceptance into a gang can be seen as a reward for an individual who
would not receive reward for attainment or good behaviour
Case studies to identify what works
Pupils need support for transition from primary to secondary school –
different environment / rules / size of school. Vulnerable pupils need peer
support. Relationships with teachers change – more remote in secondary
schools and cannot offer the same “parental” support
Rehousing of problem families will remove their power base
Would prison visiting experiences for those in danger of entering the
criminal justice system?
(b) Protection
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If a father was an established gang member, this would represent a danger
of engrained attitudes
The family would be known to the school
There is an erroneous assumption that all services are aware of a family
involvement in gang activity
Police concern may not reach other agencies involved with children –
ContactPoint could help here
Children can be heavily indoctrinated before they reach secondary school
and in some cases primary school
There may not be any other concerns about a young person and therefore
this would not be picked up
Growth of severity not picked up along the way
Lack of clear processes in place to be able to intervene
Midwives / Health Visitors access the family at an early stage
What are our rights to intervene and how do we establish there may be
future safeguarding concerns?
An incremental development will culminate in a tipping point
Those who most need Sure Start are the most vulnerable
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Gang members are often rejected by families leading to children as young
as 6 being identified by gangs
Not every disruptive child will become a gang member
Case Study
“20 years ago Mr X was shot following a disagreement around territory and
gangs. Mr X has two sons; both have followed in their father’s footsteps and
joined a gang. Several months ago the eldest son was stabbed to death.
Recently the youngest son has taken over leadership of the gang”.
How could partners have identified the risk posed to both sons?
What interventions could have occurred?
What about other relatives and parents? What is the risk?
How could partners identify risk?
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Father known by Police
Father + partner have first + second child (Health Visitor / Midwife)
Nursery / primary school identify two sons as having similar attitudes and
values to father (school / nursery / Local Authority)
Aged 8-18 voluntary and community organisations may come into contact
with the two sons
What interventions could have occurred?
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Common Assessment Framework
Communication with the Police / Health Services / School + Nursery / Local
Authority / Voluntary + Community sector
Interventions based in localities
Support to family / siblings
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Sit down with parents and two sons
Common Assessment Framework used early on
SEAL
Targeted youth support
Anger management / bereavement support
How do secondary schools support primary schools in Service Districts?
LEAP (confronting conflict) + CRESST
Process for re-integration of excluded children
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(c) Parental Support
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3.
Do parents know what to look for or where to go?
Is there simple information that people can understand and personalise?
Do parents understand the risks and know the risk indicators?
At what time should parents start discussions on dangers?
Parents need to be aware of risks to the futures of their children
Parents require structural support through courses and opportunities to talk
through fear factors
Local solutions – trust who to talk to
Parents perception of being powerless
Communication / information
Conflict between enforcement and protection - verbal caution goes on
record
Police informal intelligence needs to go to parents and schools and be
picked up by crime prevention services
Multi-agency partner agencies can act as family friends
Protection culture prevalent
Any Other Business
3.1 Sheffield Youth Council
Lesley Pollard reported on the process of elections to the Sheffield Youth
Council, with the results to be announced on Tuesday 17 February 2009 in the
Town Hall.
4.
Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting be held on Thursday 26 March 2009,
5.00 - 8.00pm, in the Town Hall.
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