Young people in Havering have expressed a strong desire for more training in essential life skills, including cooking and managing finances. This was highlighted during a recent Council meeting on Wednesday 23 July 2025, where the Corporate Parenting Panel's annual report was discussed. The Corporate Parenting dataset 2024/25, as at 31 August 2024, was provided to the panel.
The Corporate Parenting Panel received a presentation from the Young People's CIC group, outlining their aspirations and needs. The young people advised the Panel of the specific skills they would like to develop further:
- Cooking
- Independence skills (e.g., managing finances and budgeting)
- Sewing and embroidery
- CV development and employability skills
- Work experience
- Sitting on interview panels
The panel, which includes Councillor Jason Frost as Chair, and Councillors Oscar Ford, Mandy Anderson, Stephanie Nunn, and Frankie Walker as members, aims to act as responsible parents to all children in care and care leavers. The panel ensures that the council's pledge to children in care and the local offer to care leavers is fulfilled, raising awareness of their needs throughout the council and its partners.
The annual report included feedback from various sources, including the Cocoon Management Forum and 'Say It Louder'. The 'Say It Louder' program, which ran a school holiday programme, included light cooking and healthy eating workshops, arts and crafts projects, and cultural trips. The panel noted that participants expressed enjoyment and rated the activities highly, suggesting a focus on improving youth-oriented resources and opportunities.
The Corporate Parenting Panel's terms of reference include listening to the voices of children and young people, considering their views, and ensuring these are reflected in service delivery. The panel also scrutinises the quality of services provided to children in care and care experienced young people, monitoring adherence to relevant legislation.
Notably, the number of Children in care increased by 19% during 2023/24, from 235 at 30th April 2023 up to 280 at 31st March 2024, followed by stabilisation between April and August 2024. This increase underscores the importance of the panel's work and the need for continued focus on supporting young people in Havering. SUPP - 2024-25 - Annual Rpt Corporate Parenting Panel
