Throughout 2020/21 the Angus CPP and the Angus Child Poverty working group have continued to take part, lead and report on the work underway at both local and regional level to achieve our aim of reducing child poverty
|
Indicator |
Baseline |
2019/20 |
2020/21 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Workless households with children |
12.6% |
10.6% |
N/A |
|
% of eligible 2 year olds accessing funded Early Learning and Childcare |
60% |
66.23% |
N/A |
|
New social housing applicants |
2,156 |
1,770 |
1,358 |
|
P4-7 pupils are free school meal registered |
13.4% |
14.4% |
15.3% |
|
% of out-of-work Families with children claiming Child Tax Credit only |
|
0.6% |
0.7% |
|
Number of affordable homes delivered |
128 |
92 |
141 |
NA – data for this measure is not yet available. Once published it will be updated and trend information reviewed.
Coronavirus and how partners have worked together, initially to respond, and now to recover, reimagine and renew, is acting as a catalyst to enable a step-change in our collective efforts to reduce child poverty. We are starting from a strong place and during 2020 many innovative and successful pieces of work were initiated. Examples include:
Shared Apprenticeship Programme
27 apprentices were enrolled, only five were placed on furlough.
No One Left Behind – Employer Recruitment Incentive - 16-67
In-work Training Allowance is for the benefit of people undergoing in-work training, leading to sustainable employment. In-work Training Allowance can only be provided to Employers for the benefit of participants who meet the eligibility criteria, with the aim of the participant being offered a sustainable job within the company at the end of the training allowance period. 12 Registrations
No One Left Behind – Towards Employment Angus – 21-67
Appropriate and timely planning and support for people from 21 up to 67 years (Pensionable age) from the local area who are experiencing at least one barrier to employment, ensuring that participants can access Employability Key Worker support leading to further learning, training or employment. 5 Registrations
Parental Employability Support – 16+
To support the implementation and delivery of the Scottish Government’s Parental Employability Support Fund (PESF) to work in collaboration with Local Authorities to deliver employability support for target parental groups ensuring that Scottish Government’s Fair Work First obligations are taken into account, wherever possible. 2 Registrations 9 supported; this was held up due to COVID-19
Two Find Your Future Academies
were delivered by Dundee & Angus College. These involved 14- week full time programmes for young people in the Not in Education or Training group who are looking to gain confidence, skills and self-efficacy. These academies are a steppingstone to positive destinations including full time college courses, other training opportunities and employment.
Connecting Scotland programme
Partners in Angus have accessed a number of IT devices for families and individuals with no IT hardware or internet connection. Recipients of the devices have been supported to develop digital literacies skills to allow them to make the most effective use of the devices. This has allowed those who are most isolated and furthest from employment to access a range of services, support and learning opportunities.
Free re-useable period products
available throughout Angus – since the launch in 2020 over 4,500 people have requested sustainable products.
Creation of referral membership scheme
to ANGUSalive facilities for families in hardship across Angus.
Direct payment to families in receipt of School Clothing Grant
to support access to food and energy. Allocation of £45 per child.
The Dundee and Angus College partnership with Angus Foodbank and S-Mart Forfar
was strengthened this year, in the drive to keep students fed during lockdown with both organisations responding amazingly well to weekly requests and overall, delivered food parcels to over 500 students. Back on campus, the Food Larder was kick-started, so students had access to items at any time and could take what they need.
A number of online family learning programmes and face-to-face holiday programmes were delivered by the Communities Team, targeting families most negatively impacted by social isolation and financial hardship as a result of the pandemic
Case Study - Reducing Child Poverty: Family Nurse Partnership
The Family Nurse Partnership is a Tayside wide service available for clients living within the Angus, Dundee and Perth & Kinross areas. It is a voluntary home visiting programme for all eligible first-time mums (and dads), aged 19 or under at the start of pregnancy. A specially trained Family Nurse visits the mum regularly, from early in pregnancy until the child is two.
The Family Nurse Partnership programme involves regular home visits by a specially trained Family Nurse, which can help young people prepare to become parents. Family Nurses are helpful, friendly, non-judgmental and respectful to clients and their families they work with.
The programme is underpinned by a robust evidence base through research from America. Three randomised controlled trials have shown significant improvements for health, social and educational outcomes over a 20-year period for mothers and their children, following their participation in the programme.
Research has shown how important health in pregnancy and the positive relationship between a mother and her baby is for a child’s future health, happiness, relationships, and how well they do at school.
Research also shows that mums (and dads) who take part in the Family Nurse Partnership are more likely to achieve what they want for themselves and their children. We know dads are important to their babies, so we welcome dads or partners to join in during the home visit if the mum would like them to. Family nurses will support both parents to give their baby the best possible start in life.
A Family Nurse will provide parents with information and support to make decisions which:
- increase chances of a healthy pregnancy
- improve a child’s development
- build a positive relationship between a young parent and their baby, and others
- help plan for the future
- enable young people to make lifestyle choices, which gives their child the best possible start in life
- enable young parents to achieve their aspirations (such as finding a job or returning to education)