Agenda item

The Panel received a report which sought the Panel’s views on how the approach to the measurement of children and young people’s happiness in Slough might best be developed.

James O’Neill, Strategic Insight Manager, outlined the content of the report, which related to the priorities of the Slough Joint Wellbeing Strategy of protecting vulnerable children and improving mental health and wellbeing. The report also related to the first priority of the Five Year Plan that Slough children would grow up to be happy, healthy and successful.

In considering the report, a Member suggested that a balanced scorecard would be useful in scrutinising the work/progress, particularly if it could be made available quickly.  The officer undertook to provide this.

A Member expressed the view that a number of children who were entitled to free school meals did not take them and could therefore fall ‘under the radar’ and he questioned whether this could be captured. The officer confirmed that this could be factored in and that interpretation of data was significant. He added that some of the wellbeing questions would highlight such issues. Questions would need to be asked in child friendly language as the aim was build up a picture of the child.

Resolved – That the report be noted and a balanced scorecard be used to report information to the Panel in the future.