Members are invited to interview the Co-Deputy Leader, Portfolio holder for Economy, Skills and Young People, Cllr Coleen De Freitas, with regards to her vision for young people and to answer Members questions.
Minutes:
The Portfolio Holder for Economy, Skills and Young People welcomed the opportunity to hear directly from the Youth Advisory Board and emphasised the importance of providing young people with a platform to speak, be heard and have greater autonomy over decisions affecting their lives. They stated that young people should be treated with respect and that their views and experiences should inform the development of services and opportunities. Concern was expressed regarding the experiences of young people within education, including the importance of schools listening to students, responding to their individual needs and supporting a broader understanding of aspiration. It was noted that academic achievement and progression to university were not the only measures of success, and that vocational education, trades and practical skills should be recognised as equally valid pathways. The recent opening of the college campus in Stevenage town centre was welcomed, and the importance of ensuring that young people considering vocational training felt that this was an equally valued route was emphasised.
At this juncture a discussion was had regarding school uniform policies and the potential impact on pupils’ wellbeing, comfort, attendance and engagement, with examples of alternative approaches being highlighted such as a more PE kit style uniform.
The Committee also discussed support for young people who were not in education, employment or training (NEET), with examples highlighting difficulties experienced by young people seeking to access further education. It was noted that work was taking place to identify gaps in support and improve access to opportunities. Members were advised that Stevenage had been approved for a Youth Hub and that meaningful engagement with young people would be essential in determining its purpose and services. Emphasis was placed on ensuring that consultation reached a wide range of young people, including those who were home educated and those who were NEET, and that their views directly influenced the development of the Hub. The changing role and use of the Bowes Lyon facility was also discussed, with a desire expressed to explore opportunities to recreate some of its previous youth-focused functions and develop similar provision through the Youth Hub.
In response to questions regarding young people's travel, the Portfolio Holder expressed support for free or genuinely affordable bus travel for young people, noting the potential to reduce isolation and improve access to employment, education and social opportunities. Members and young people shared experiences of the benefits and limitations of existing travel provision, including the cost of regular bus travel and the use of free bus travel during the summer. It was suggested that affordable travel could provide young people with greater independence and enable them to access activities and facilities outside Stevenage.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of ensuring that young people were able to express themselves and were not disadvantaged by inflexible approaches within education. Members reflected on personal experiences of school and the potential impact of educational structures and expectations on young people's opportunities. The Youth Advisory Board provided examples of how affordable travel had enabled them to access leisure facilities outside Stevenage, particularly where there were limited activities available locally. Both the Chair of the Committee and the Portfolio Holder thanked the young people for their openness and encouraged continued dialogue, including opportunities for Members to visit or engage directly with young people in settings where they felt comfortable.
It was RESOLVED that the feedback be noted as part of the review.