Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

The Sub Committee received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services, which highlighted universal youth and play provision in the City of London. The report set out the services, aims, providers, quarter three (Q3) highlights, and the opportunities identified for improvement. Members noted that Portsoken data related to Quarter 2, as there had been a temporary gap in provision at Quarter 3 due to a change in provider.   The officer  gave assurance that the service is now being delivered weekly from the new community centre, and as stated in the report.

During the discussion on this item, the following points were noted:

a)       The high levels of poverty in Portsoken, together with  obesity and diabetes related health problems.  In the longer term, investment in health benefits would result in a saving, as many residents have no access to affordable gyms or sports facilities, and the school in Portsoken no longer has access to St Georges Swimming Pool.  The community also experiences language barriers and a lack of transport facilities to the West of the City.  Officers noted the cultural sensitivities, in respect of a lack of  provision of women-only swimming sessions, and Members were concerned that children might not be learning to swim.  Whilst school swimming programmes are part of the review, officers agreed to look at cross-borough opportunities.

b)       A new service is being developed and consultation had identified priority areas, such as the provision of  football, noting that previous attempts had failed due to the City Corporation not having a competitive youth football team or league.  The City’s Sports Development and Youth Service Review had specified the establishment of a club, noting that this would need a targeted piece of work with the Football Association.

c)       There is currently a good offer at the Golden Lane Leisure Centre, but the service provider does not have facilities in the East of the City.  Therefore, the City Corporation will need to work with its neighbouring boroughs to expand their provisions.

d)       A large number of City school children attend the Youth City Forum and London Youth Games, as they have pre-prepared teams,  but there is still a lack of City resident engagement.  Both Prospects and Fusion are aware of this and are working to increase engagement.  This will be monitored as part of the contract.  

e)       The Youth Forum is currently in the process of running elections, and the Member of UK Youth Parliament, or the Deputy Member of UK Youth Parliament  will be a city resident.  There will also be a social media campaign. 

f)        Work is underway with the Communications Team, to ensure accessibility across all languages,  noting the new Afghan community in the City, with 300 children under 16.

g)       The Sub Committee will receive a further report addressing the issues raised at this Sub Committee meeting and filling the gaps in provision.  The Chair asked that, if there are initiatives that can be implemented based on the  discussions at today’s meeting,  they should go ahead before the report is presented. 

h)       The SEND Sports Project was launched in November 21, at the Golden Lane Sports Centre, working in partnership with Fusion.  The project secured £5000  of funding for  swimming, football and gym sessions until March 2022.

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.