Approved Panel Minutes - Children, Education and Home Affairs - 2024

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair

Absent

Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Electronic meeting: Draft Crime (Public Order) (Jersey) Law 202-

The Panel considered and approved its draft comments paper on the Draft Crime (Public Order) (Jersey) Law 202- (P.97/2023).

The Panel approved that its comments paper be submitted for presentation to the States Assembly and asked the officer to make relevant arrangements.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer Katie Bastiman, Communications Officer (Item 3 only)

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Records of Meetings

The Panel noted and approved the records of the meetings held on 21st and 27th November, and 4th and 18th December 2023.

2.  Quarterly Hearing with the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs

The Panel noted it had been due to receive Minister for Justice and Home Affairs for its first Quarterly Hearing of the year on 24th January 2024. Following the States Assembly’s approval of the Vote of No Confidence: Chief Minister (P.1/2024), the hearing had been cancelled.

The Panel agreed to review all its arranged 2024 quarterly hearing dates at the earliest opportunity, following the appointment of incoming Ministers.

3.  Briefing: Inclusive language and the LGBTQ+ community

The Panel received a presentation and briefing on ‘Inclusive language and the LGBTQ+  community’  from  the  Communications  Officer.  It  was  noted  that  the information provided by the briefing might be particularly useful in the context of the Panel’s review of the Draft Children and Civil Status (Amendments) (Jersey) Law 202-.

The Panel was provided with information and some brief context to highlight the importance of choosing inclusive language when referring to the LGBTQ+ community and, briefly, how the use of language had changed for that community over time.

The Panel had the opportunity to ask questions and it was confirmed that the Communications Officer would be happy to assist with any queries in future.

It was confirmed that a copy of the presentation would be shared with the Panel via Teams  after  the  briefing,  for  future  reference.  The  Panel  thanked  the Communications Officer, and she left the meeting.

4.  Draft  Children  and  Civil  Status  (Amendments)  (Jersey)  Law  202- (P.104/2023)

The Panel discussed the current status of its review of the Draft Children and Civil Status (Amendments) (Jersey) Law 202- (P.104/2023).

The Panel noted that, following the approval of P.1/2024, the Assistant Minister for Children and Education had asked the Chair whether the Panel would consider withdrawing  its  review  of  P.104/2023,  so  that  the  Assembly  could  consider  a shortened lodging period. On Wednesday 17th January 2024, the Chair consulted with the Panel members and subsequently contacted the Assistant Minister by email to confirm that the Panel would continue with its review.

Whilst the Panel noted its sympathy with the potential for further delay to the debate, it was agreed that the objective approach was to ensure that the Panel fulfilled its obligation to undertake legislative scrutiny.

The Panel noted that the evidence gathering stage could continue to collect evidence from external stakeholders in period of time before a new Council of Ministers was formed, however, the Panel agreed that it would not send its review-based queries to the Minister for Children and Education or Assistant Minister until the future incumbent(s) of the post were confirmed.

The Panel noted that, to date, it had received 2 submissions from members of the public responding to its open call for evidence. The Panel referenced some negative comments posted on the social media promotions of its review, but that this viewpoint had not been reflected in the formal submissions to the review to date.

The Panel requested that its officers send follow up correspondence by email to the targeted stakeholders who had not responded by the initial deadline (24th January 2024) in order to ascertain whether they would be providing a submission.

The Panel agreed that it would appraise its planned review timeframe and agree the next steps at its meeting on 12th February 2024.  

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5.  Draft  Children  and  Young  People  (Jersey)  Commencement  Act  202- (P.2/2024)

The Panel discussed the lodging of P.2/2024 and noted a brief history of the scrutiny undertaken on the Draft Children and Young People (Jersey) Law to date. The Panel agreed to invite the Minister for Children and Education to a briefing, in due course, to discuss any outstanding queries that the Panel had ahead of the debate of P.2/2024.

Officers undertook to draft a briefing paper for the Panel with some further details about the background and context relevant to P.2/2024.

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6.  Scrutiny Review: Secondary Education Funding

The Panel discussed the next steps of its review and noted that it planned to take it forward without the support of an expert advisor.

The Panel had sought quotes from external providers to help with the analysis of its survey responses. The Panel agreed that it would not be appropriate to take forward this work or submit approval requests to the Scrutiny Liaison Committee (SLC) for changes  to  the  funding  approval  until  after  the  new  Council  of  Ministers  was appointed (and any resulting changes to the SLC had been made as a consequence).

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The Panel instructed officers to contact the targeted stakeholders to follow up on engagement with the review.  

7.  Feedback on the Draft Children and Families’ Plan 2024-2027

The Panel discussed the Draft Children and Families’ Plan 2024-2027 (the ‘draft Plan’), which it had been sent to the Panel at the request of the Minister for Children and Education on 11th January 2024 for its comments as part of an initial review. Feedback was requested to be provided by 22nd January 2024.

The Panel agreed that it would not be appropriate to provide political feedback to Government at this juncture following the Vote of No Confidence: Chief Minister (P.1/2024), whilst there was no Council of Ministers in place.

The Panel instructed officers to convey this feedback to the relevant Government Officer but requested that, if possible, it be included as a consultee at the next stage of the drafting process, whether this be through a briefing or the opportunity to provide its comments on the next version of the draft Plan.

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8.  States Business

The Panel noted the recent Letters, Reports and Ministerial Decisions that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting.

The Panel noted the recent vote of no confidence in the Chief Minster and the impact it had on the Panels work in the near term.

The Panel noted that the debate on the ‘Draft Crime (Public Order) (Jersey) Law 202- ‘(P.97/2023) had been deferred by the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs on Wednesday 17th January 2024. The Panel had submitted a comments paper on the proposition but had highlighted in that paper that it had not had time to review the Child Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) prior to the debate. The Panel noted that the relevant CRIA had since been presented as an addendum to the proposition and noted that it could therefore consider this in more detail before the debate. The Panel agreed to consider whether it had any further comments on the CRIA related to P.97/2023.

9.  Work programme

The Panel noted its planned work programme, but acknowledged that it was subject to change, depending on the forthcoming decisions made in the States Assembly.

10. Any Other Business

The Panel noted the following matters:

• School uniform vendor JSSK was to close. The school uniform policy change that limits the number of compulsory bespoke items in schools was cited as a factor in this decision.

• The Panel considered inviting the All Matters Neurodiverse Jersey Chair in for a meeting to discuss neurodiverse support available in Jersey.

• The Panel noted that the Bailiff had introduced new guidance to support children and young people appearing in court. The Panel noted that it had not seen the guidance in advance, as it was not issued through a Ministerial department.

• The Panel noted that the 2023 BeHeard Survey results for Government of Jersey Departments had been published and that the CYPES Department

had received an index score below the public sector average. The Panel agreed to make some further enquiries about the results in due course.

 The Panel noted that a member of the public who had contacted the Chair with concerns in relation to the CYPES Department had been signposted towards the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel’s Follow-up review of People and Culture.

11. Future Meetings

The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 9:00am on Monday 12th February 2024 in Le Capelain Room, States Building.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Records of Meetings

The Panel noted its approval of records of meetings held on 11th and 22nd January 2024 electronically prior to the meeting.

2.  Schedule of Quarterly Hearings for 2024

The Panel’s noted a number of changes that had been made to the schedule of quarterly Public Hearing dates for 2024 following the change of Government and confirmation of new Ministers. It was noted that the Government had publicised its intention to change the Minister for Children and Education role into two Ministries, namely, a ‘Minister for Children and Families’ and a ‘Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning’. The current Minister for Children and Education would become the Minister for Children and Families and an election would be held to appoint the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning in due course.

The Panel noted its intent to utilise the Public Hearing dates it had arranged with the Minister for Children and Education for the Public Hearings with the Minister for Children and Families. Dates for separate Hearings with the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning would be arranged in due course, once appointed.

The Panel discussed question areas for its next Public Hearings with the Minister for Children and Education on 7th March 2024 (with the anticipation that this would be focused on the Children and Families remit) and the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs (24th April 2024).

The Panel noted that the Prison Governor had been invited to attend its next Public Hearing with the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs on 24th April 2024. The Panel agreed to review the question plan, which had been prepared for its cancelled Public Hearing on 24th January 2024, and to adapt questions accordingly for the new Minister.

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3.  Draft  Children  and  Civil  Status  (Amendments)  (Jersey)  Law  202- (P.104/2023)

The Panel noted the content of a briefing paper and received an update from the Committee and Panel Officer on the status of the Scrutiny review of the Draft Children and Civil Status (Amendments) (Jersey) Law 202- (P.104/2023) (the ‘Review’). The Panel also noted the correspondence log, which included details of the submissions

received to date. The Chair undertook to directly contact a key stakeholder who had yet to respond to the Panel’s correspondence.

The Panel discussed timings for the Review, which had been impacted by the change of Government and uncertainty over whether Panel membership would change. The Proposition was currently listed on the States Assembly Order Paper for 19th March 2024.

The Panel also discussed whether it wanted to call the Minister for Children and Education, or invite other stakeholders, to Hearings to gather further evidence for the Review. The Committee and Panel Officer advised that, if the Panel was minded to do this, it would be necessary to hold any Hearings the week commencing 19th February at the latest, in order to produce written output for the Review in advance of the States Assembly sitting on 19th March 2024. It was highlighted that this timing would be challenging and, if the Panel did want to hold a Hearing, it should be prepared to further discuss the debate date with the Minister and, if necessary, formally call the Proposition in for further scrutiny on 19th March 2024.

The Panel noted its electronic approval of a letter to the Minister for Children and Education on 7th February 2024. The Minister’s response was expected to be received on 14th February 2024; however, the Panel had been notified that responses to a small number of the questions would follow on 23rd February (due to some key officer absence during half term). The Panel acknowledged that its letter had been lengthy and was content with this approach.

The Panel discussed some of the matters which had been highlighted to it in submissions to the Review so far. One of the themes of submissions received from the members of the public had been about delays in progressing the legislation which would support the rights of same-sex parents and the problems and challenges that this was causing for local families.

The Panel discussed the merits of collecting further evidence for its Review through a Hearing but was mindful that a further delay for the debate of the Proposition would be a minimum of 4 weeks, as the Assembly sitting after 19th March was 16th April 2024 (after Easter holidays).

The Panel had not collected any evidence to date that raised specific concerns about the draft Proposition, and it was hoped that the Minister’s written response would capture information on some of the outstanding queries.

The Panel agreed that, at this time, it would not schedule Public Hearings for the review and would not ask the Minister to agree to a further deferral of the debate. The Panel agreed that it would work to complete its Review and publish written output during the week commencing 11th March 2024.

The Panel agreed that it would present its Review findings in a Scrutiny Report, if possible, but agreed that a Comments Paper would be acceptable if a report could not be completed in the required deadline.

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4.  Draft  Children  and  Young  People  (Jersey)  Commencement  Act  202- (P.2/2024)

The Panel noted and discussed a briefing paper prepared by its officers in respect of the Draft Children and Young People (Jersey) Commencement Act 202- (P.2/2024).

The Panel then reviewed and approved, subject to minor amendments, a draft letter to the Minister for Children and Education in respect of P.2/2024.  

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5.  Secondary Education Funding Review

The Panel noted a briefing paper with updates on the Secondary Education Funding Review. The next steps were discussed, and it was agreed to secure services of a third party to undertake the analysis of the survey responses from the original expert advisor funding.

The Panel agreed to provide a notification to the Scrutiny Liaison Committee (SLC) of a budget reduction in due course.

The Panel reiterated its desire to progress with the review at the earliest opportunity.

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6.  States Business

The Panel noted the recent Letters, Reports, and Ministerial Decisions that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting.

The Panel also noted the appointment of new Ministers and Assistant Ministers in the States Assembly and other recent changes to Scrutiny Panels, which would also impact the Scrutiny Liaison Committee.

7.  Work Programme

The Panel noted its planned work programme for 2024 and provided a number of suggested updates to officers.

The Panel requested that officers arrange visits to primary schools in relation to its interest in the progress of the school meals programme.

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8.  Any Other Business The Panel discussed:

• Assigning delegated topic areas to different Panel Members to act as the Panel’s spokesperson. The Panel agreed to consider this further before agreeing delegations.

• The UK Online Safety Bill and considered its impact on children and queried its impact on Jersey. The Panel asked its officers to prepare a briefing paper in this regard for discussion at its next meeting on 4th March 2024.

• The Government’s intention to nominate Deputy Rob Ward as the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning. Deputy Ward was a member of the ‘Reform Jersey’ Political Party, as were Deputies Curtis and Porée . If Deputy Ward ’s election as Minister was approved by the Assembly, the officer confirmed that the  political  party  connection  was  not  considered  to  be  a  conflict  or  a restriction on the role of the Scrutiny Panel and referenced that scrutiny from members within the same political party was standard in other jurisdictions. As ever, all elected members would need to abide by the Standing Orders of the Assembly and the relevant Codes of Practice (for Scrutiny Panels / Ministers / Engagement). The Panel noted the importance of impartiality and objectivity in Panel proceedings.

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9.  Future Meetings

To note that the Panel’s next scheduled private meeting will take place at 9.00 am on Monday 4th March 2024 in Le Capelain Room, States Building.

Connétable Labey provided his apologies for the next meeting.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

Apologies

Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair

In attendance

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Records of Meetings

The Panel approved the record of the meeting held on 12th January 2024.

2.  Quarterly Hearing with the Minister for Children and Families

The Panel reviewed and approved the question plan for its next Public Hearing with the Minister for Children and Families on 7th March 2024. The Panel asked Officers to include a small number of additional questions and to make a number of minor amendments before sharing an updated version on Teams.

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3.  Draft  Children  and  Civil  Status  (Amendments)  (Jersey)  Law  202- (P.104/2023)

The Panel reviewed its draft report for the review of the Draft Children and Civil Status (Amendments) (Jersey) Law 202- (P.104/2023) (the ‘draft Report’).

The Panel noted that the draft Report had been circulated on Teams the previous week and that Connétable Labey had acknowledged receipt and been provided with the opportunity to provide feedback electronically.

The Panel discussed queries with the Committee and Panel Officer and made a number of minor comments and suggestions for change. The Panel approved the draft findings and recommendations, subject to the discussed amendments. The Panel requested that the relevant sections of the draft Report be circulated to stakeholders for factual checking.

The Panel then discussed the proposed timeline for the final approval and publication of the draft Report.

The Panel requested that a meeting be scheduled for 10am on Monday 11th March 2024 to discuss any feedback received from the fact checking process and, if thought fit, to approve the final report for publication.

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4.  Draft  Children  and  Young  People  (Jersey)  Commencement  Act  202- (P.2/2024)

The Panel noted receipt of a letter from the Minister for Children and Education on 20th February 2023 in respect of the Draft Children and Young People (Jersey) Commencement Act 202- (the ‘Commencement Act’).

The Panel noted that it had requested a comments paper be drafted in respect of the Commencement Act and received an update on its status from the Committee and Panel Officer.

5.  Secondary Education Funding Review

The Committee and Panel Officer advised the Panel that there was no update or progress with the Panel’s Secondary Education Funding Review due to other current workload.

6.  Briefing Document: The United Kingdom’s Online Safety Act 2023

The Panel reviewed and discussed a briefing paper on the UK Online Safety Act prepared by the Panel's Officers.

The Panel asked Officers to make arrangements to publish the briefing paper.

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7.  States Business

The Panel noted the recent Letters, Reports, and Ministerial Decisions that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting.

The Panel asked Officers to check how the schedule of questions without notice would be impacted by the introduction of a new Minister.

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8.  Work Programme

The Panel noted its planned work programme for 2024 and provided a number of suggested updates to Officers including that ‘Online Safety’, as discussed in the previous item of these minutes, should be highlighted as a potential cross-panel area of work (in conjunction with the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel).

The Panel also noted receipt of a letter from the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning on 22nd February 2024 in response to its queries about Student Finance and Higher Education.

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9.  Any Other Business Areas discussed were:

• The  Committee  and  Panel  Officer  advised  that  other  newly  constituted Scrutiny Panels would be exploring opportunities for training and visits and confirmed that the Panel could join these, if desired. Further information would be provided in due course, but the Panel were encouraged to advise officers of their areas of interest further training.

• The Panel requested that its officers follow up the request for visits to see the delivery of Primary School meals at local schools.

• The Panel requested a visit be arranged to learn about the Jersey Library Service.

• Queries were made about the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB), specifically regarding remuneration of members. The Panel asked its Officers to research the CICB and provide more information, if possible.

• Queries were made about the Children & Young People’s Placement Panel (CYPPP). The Panel asked its Officers to research the CYPPP and provide more information, if possible.

• At the Panel’s Quarterly Hearing in December the Minister for Children and Education  confirmed  that  a  pay  supplement  was  being  provided  to

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substantive  Children’s  Social  Workers  in  Jersey.  The  Panel  included  a possible query on this area to its question plan for 7th March, however, asked Officers to research this further after the hearing.

10. Future Meetings

To note that the Panel’s next private meeting will take place at 10.00am on Monday 11th March 2024 in Le Capelain Room, States Building.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

Apologies

Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair

In attendance

Connétable Richard Vibert , Minister for Children and Families

Deputy Malcolm Ferey , Assistant Minister for Children and Families

Rob Sainsbury, Chief Officer of Children, Education, Young People and Skills (CYPES)

Fiona Cisneros, Interim Director, Children’s Services

Darren Bowring, Associate Director, CAMHS, Mental Health and Wellbeing

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer Charlotte Curry, Communications Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Quarterly Public Hearing: Minister for Children and Families

The Panel noted and discussed its question plan in preparation for the Public Hearing with the Minister for Children and Families at 12.00 pm.

The Panel welcomed the Minister for Children and Families, the Assistant Minister, and various Government Officers for a Quarterly Public Hearing at 12.00pm. The hearing was recorded, and webcast live via Public-I and a transcript was produced.

Following the Public Hearing, the Panel discussed key topics to include on any media updates with the Communications Officer.

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Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

Apologies

Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair

In attendance

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Draft  Children  and  Civil  Status  (Amendments)  (Jersey)  Law  202- (P.104/2023)

The Panel reviewed its draft report for the review of the Draft Children and Civil Status (Amendments) (Jersey) Law 202- (P.104/2023) (the ‘review report’).

The officer provided the Panel with an overview of all the factchecking responses received from stakeholders and the Panel approved several minor amendments and clarifications.

Subject to the suggested amendments accepted during the factchecking process, the Panel noted and approved its review report. It was noted that a summary of the review report would also be shared in a digital version on publication of the final review report. The digital version would be sent to the Chair for approval.

The Panel requested that its review report be publicised through social media and a press release.

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2.  Future Meetings

The Panel noted its next private meeting would take place at 9.00am on Monday 18th March 2024 in Le Capelain Room, States Building.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair

Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair

Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member (online, via Teams)

In attendance

Andrew Heaven, Head of Policy, Cabinet Office Natalie Kemp Senior Policy Officer, Cabinet Office Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Briefing: Draft Children and Families Plan

The Panel received Officers for a private briefing about the Draft Children and Families Plan.

This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35 and a private record was taken.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Electronic  meeting:  Draft  Children  and  Young  People  (Jersey) Commencement Act 202- (P.2/2024)

The Panel considered and approved its draft comments paper on the Draft Children and Young People (Jersey) Commencement Act 202- (P.2/2024).

The Panel approved that its comments paper be submitted for presentation to the States Assembly and asked the officer to make relevant arrangements.

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Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Records of Meetings

The Panel approved the record of the meeting held on 4th March 2024.

2.  Quarterly Hearings

The Panel noted that it was due to receive the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs (MJHA) for a quarterly public hearing on Wednesday 24th April 2024. The Panel discussed subject areas and questions to ask the MJHA and requested that the officer put them into a consolidated question plan for the Panel to review and, if thought fit, approve at its meeting on 15th April 2024.

The Panel noted that it had previously made arrangements for the Prison Governor to attend the Panel’s public hearing in April. However, on review of the topics it wished to prioritise for its question plan, following the change of Minister in post, the Panel decided that it would defer the invitation at this time and asked the officer to convey the message accordingly, with its thanks for the original agreement to attend.

The Panel noted that quarterly hearings had been agreed with the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning (MELL) on the following dates:

• Thursday 25th April 2024;

• Thursday 19th September 2024; and

• Friday 6th December 2024.

It was noted that a date for a hearing in June 2024 was also being explored but was yet to be confirmed. The Panel discussed questions to ask the MELL and requested that the officer put them into a consolidated question plan for the Panel to review and, if thought fit, approve at its meeting on 15th April 2024.

The Panel discussed public engagement for its quarterly public hearings scheduled for April 2024 and asked for the officer to arrange for social media posts to invite the public to submit question suggestions to the Panel, for consideration at its next meeting on 15th April 2024.

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3.  Draft  Children  and  Civil  Status  (Amendments)  (Jersey)  Law  202- (P.104/2023)

The Panel noted that it had published its scrutiny Report on the Review of the Draft Children and Civil Status (Amendments) (Jersey) Law 202- (P.104/2023) on 13th March 2024 (S.R.2/2024). It was noted that the Ministerial Response would be due on 24th April 2024.

The Chair of the Panel was the main respondent for P.104/2023, which would be debated by the States Assembly in the sitting commencing on 19th March 2024.

4.  Draft  Children  and  Young  People  (Jersey)  Commencement  Act  202- (P.2/2024)

The Panel noted that it had published a Comments Paper on the Review of the Draft Children and Young People (Jersey) Commencement Act 202- on 15th March 2024 (S.R.2/2024).

The Chair of the Panel was the main respondent for P.2/2024, which would be debated by the States Assembly in the sitting commencing on 19th March 2024.

5.  Secondary Education Funding Review

The officer advised that an update on the engagement brief for the survey review support would be circulated to the Panel at a later date on Teams.  

6.  Training

The Panel noted that group training, with a focus of questioning and public hearings, was being offered to all scrutiny panels. The Panel agreed that it would like to receive the training and asked the officer to review members’ diaries for mutually agreeable dates.

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7.  States Business

The Panel noted the recent Letters, Reports, and Ministerial Decisions that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting.

The Panel noted that a number of links in the agenda paper, which had been previously shared on Microsoft Teams were not working and asked the officer to review this and provide updated links, where necessary.  

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8.  Work Programme

The Panel noted its planned work programme for 2024.

9.  Any Other Business

The Chair advised the Panel that she had been copied into a letter to the MELL from the  Women’s  Rights  Network  Jersey  regarding  the  Transgender  Guidance  for schools. The Chair shared the content of the letter with the Panel, which was duly noted.

10. Future Meetings

The Panel note that it’s next private meeting would take place at 9.00am on Monday 15th April 2024 in Le Capelain Room, States Building.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Kate Briden, Chief Officer, Justice and Home Affairs Department

Peter Gavey, Chief Ambulance Officer, States of Jersey Ambulance Service Paul Brown, Chief Fire Officer, States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service Robin Smith, Chief Officer, States of Jersey Police

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Briefing: Emergency Services Control Centre

The Panel received the Chief Officers for a private briefing about proposed changes to the Emergency Services Control Centre.

This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35 and a private record was taken.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair

Absent

Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer Katie Bastiman, Communications Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Records of Meetings

The Panel noted and approved the records of the meetings held on 11th, 13th, 15th, 18th and 26th March.

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2.  Quarterly Public Hearing with the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs

The Panel noted that it was due to receive the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs for a Public Quarterly Hearing on Wednesday 24th April 2024.

The Panel discussed and agreed its question plan for the hearing, subject to minor amendments.  The  plan  included  questions  and  topic  areas  which  had  been submitted and suggested by members of the public.

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3.  Quarterly  Public  Hearing  with  the  Minister  for  Education  and  Lifelong Learning

The Panel noted that it was due to receive the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning for a Public Quarterly Hearing on Thursday 25th April 2024.

The Panel discussed and agreed its question plan for the hearing, subject to minor amendments.  The  plan  included  questions  and  topic  areas  which  had  been submitted and suggested by members of the public.

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4.  Secondary Education Funding Review

The Panel noted the engagement brief for an external advisor to undertake the review of the secondary education funding review survey responses and was also provided with a verbal update on the procurement process.

5.  Training for Public Hearings and Questioning

The Panel noted that its group training session had been arranged for the afternoon of Wednesday 8th May 2024. Further details would be circulated by the officer in due course.

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6.  Letter from the Minister for Children and Families

The Panel noted receipt of the letter of response from the Minister for Children and Families dated 22nd March 2024. The Panel discussed the letter and asked the officer to follow up on a number of outstanding points, including the status of the Government’s safe recruitment policy and the publication of the Article 30A report.

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7.  States Business

The Panel noted the recent Letters, Reports and Ministerial Decisions that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting.

The Panel noted that both the Minister for Children and Families and the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning were scheduled to respond to oral questions without notice in the States Assembly sitting scheduled for 30th April 2024.

8.  Work Programme

The Panel noted its planned work programme for 2024.

9.  Any Other Business

The Panel discussed the following.

• The Panel asked officers to set up a meeting with the Jersey Child Care Trust.

• The  Panel  asked  officers  to  conduct  some  brief  research  on  i)  the Government’s resilience working groups; and ii) student maintenance grants. Details would be shared in short posts on the Panel’s Teams channel in the first instance.

• The Panel asked officers to locate a recent media article about the States of Jersey Police and share a copy on its Teams channel, for future reference.

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10. Future Meetings

The Panel noted its next scheduled private meeting would take place at 9.00am on Monday 20th May 2024 in Le Capelain Room, States Building.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair

Apologies

Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Deputy Mary Le Hegarat , Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Connétable Richard Vibert , Assistant Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Kate Briden, Chief Officer, Justice and Home Affairs

Scott Hall , Deputy Chief Officer, States of Jersey Police

Andrew Hunt, Assistant Director, Jersey Customs and Immigration Service Nathan Fox, Associate Director, Justice Policy, Cabinet Office

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Katie Bastiman, Communications Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Quarterly Public Hearing: Minister for Justice and Home Affairs

The Panel noted and discussed its question plan in preparation for the Public Hearing with the Minister for Children and Families at 3.00 pm.

The  Panel  welcomed the  Minister for  Justice and  Home  Affairs,  the Assistant Minister, and various Government Officers for a Quarterly Public Hearing at 3.00 pm. The hearing was recorded, and webcast live via Public-I and a transcript was produced.

Following the Public Hearing, the Panel discussed key topics to include on a social media update with the Communications Officer.

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Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Deputy Rob Ward , Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning

Deputy Carina Alves , Assistant Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning Seán O’Regan, Group Director for CYPES

Rob Sainsbury, Chief Officer of Children, Education, Young People and Skills (CYPES)

Jonathan Williams, Programme Director for Education Reform, CYPES Keith Posner, Associate Director, Innovation, Transformation and Business Support

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Katie Bastiman, Communications Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Quarterly Public Hearing: Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning

The Panel noted and discussed its question plan in preparation for the Public Hearing with the Minister for Children and Families at 12:30pm.

The Panel welcomed the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, the Assistant Minister, and various Government Officers for a Quarterly Public Hearing at 12:30pm. The hearing was recorded, and webcast live via Public-I and a transcript was produced.

Following the Public Hearing, the Panel discussed key topics to include on a social media update with the Communications Officer.

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Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Electronic meeting: Common Strategic Policy 2024-2026

The Panel considered and approved its draft amendment to the Common Strategic Policy 2024-2026 (P.21/2024).

The Panel approved that its amendment be submitted for presentation to the States Assembly and asked the officer to make relevant arrangements.

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Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Fiona Vacher, Executive Director, Jersey Child Care Trust Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Early Years

The Panel received Fiona Vacher, Executive Director of the Jersey Child Care Trust (the Executive Director) to discuss Early Years education and childcare in Jersey.

The Panel had invited the Executive Director to meet with them, in order to provide her expert insight and further perspective on the Early Years sector, which had been an area of interest to the Panel and had also been listed as a priority in the Council of Ministers’ proposed Common Strategic Policy for 2024-2026 [P.21/2024] (namely, to “extend nursery and childcare provision”).

Connétable Labey and Deputy Porée each advised the meeting that members of their respective households were employed in the Early Years sector in Jersey.

The  Executive  Director  began  by  emphasising  the  importance  of  early  life experiences for children, including impact on their future development, and advised the Panel that 80% of a child’s brain was developed by the age of 3.

The Panel was advised that the Jersey Child Care Trust (JCCT) was a registered charity in Jersey. It undertook support work to help children have their best start in life, and to make a positive difference to children’s future development. The JCCT currently supported 60 children with disabilities in nurseries across Jersey who had the highest level of need in terms of support. The JCCT also fund nursery places for 2-3 year olds who all live in poverty and have a developmental delay, circa 10% of the 2-3 year old population.

The Executive Director opined that there was insufficient support available to the tier of children under those who classified with the highest level of need. In response to questions from the Panel, it was explained that families who qualified for income support benefit were not the only families supported by the JCCT and that some of the families who did not qualify for income support were the most vulnerable. For example, this included people who had lived in the Island for under 5 years or those who earned just over the threshold for income support but had very little disposable income after housing costs.

The Panel was advised that the JCCT had observed an increase in the number of families supported where there were two working parents, but the family was living in poverty.

Nursery provision and challenges

Parallels between the proposals to extend nursery childcare provision in Jersey and the proposals in the United Kingdom were discussed. The importance of supporting all families with either working or non-working parents was also highlighted, so that no children were disadvantaged or excluded from early years settings.

The Executive Director highlighted that maintaining, or improving, the quality of nursery care had to be the key priority for any change made by Government. It was explained that extensive evidence from research proves that it could be damaging for a child to go into a setting that did not support their needs.

The Executive Director detailed a number of challenges currently facing the Early Years sector, including a loss of staff (to retirement, relocation or other industries) and that a number of staff who had qualifications and experience were being paid minimum wage, and suggested that this did not make it an appealing career for individuals in the long term. The Panel was advised that the JCCT had worked to address this challenge by creating different tiers of roles in their own organisation, to allow  progression  and  career  development.  There  were  a  number  of  barriers discussed around the challenges of recruitment and retention, and some possible solutions discussed included the possibility of more apprenticeships.

It was noted that Early Years childcare qualifications were mainly attained locally through Highlands College. It was estimated that the full time level 3 course had approximately 40 students per year, but that not all these students went to work in day nurseries. It was suggested that this was because it was highly pressured work, with long working hours for minimum wage pay.

The Panel noted that recent changes had been made to Jersey’s work permit policy and that various jobs relevant to the Early Years sector were now included in the list of skilled occupations, which would allow individuals to come to Jersey to work on a work permit as nursery assistants or childcare assistants, etc.

The complexities of the recruitment and retention were acknowledged by the Panel.

The issue of high insurance costs for day nurseries and childcare providers was briefly discussed and noted as a current challenge.

The use of the Nursery Education Fund (NEF) was also discussed, and the Panel agreed that  it  would  gather  some more  information  about  the  NEF,  to  further understand its operation and governance. During the discussion it was highlighted that there was no requirement for nurseries receiving NEF funding to pay staff the living wage.

Poverty

The Panel discussed the impact of poverty on childhood. The Panel was advised that the JCCT, other third sector providers, and the Government of Jersey were all undertaking activity to help children living in poverty have a better future. However, the Executive Director highlighted that the work was not captured under one strategic view  or  strategy  with  an  agreed  collective  objective,  for  example:  “eradicating

childhood poverty”. She opined that there should be an overarching strategy and that the lead for any strategic vision to eradicate childhood poverty had to come from Government and would, ideally, include centralised data capture.

The Panel noted that the Children, Young People and Families’ Plan for 2024-2027 was due to be published shortly but recalled that “poverty” was not specifically mentioned in the document.

The Panel thanked the Executive Director for her time and insight, and the meeting was concluded.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Records of Meetings

th April 2024.

The Panel noted and approved the record of the meeting held on 15

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2.  Work Programme

The Panel noted its planned work programme for 2024. The Panel discussed online safety and tasked Officers to draft  a  scoping  document  for  the  Panel  to  hold  a standalone hearing on online safety and undertake research associated with this subject to inform the Panel’s question plan.

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3.  Quarterly Hearings

The Panel noted its group training on questioning on 8th May 2024.

The Panel discussed and provided Officers with topic areas it wanted to question each Minister on at the following scheduled public quarterly hearings:

• Minister for Children and Families – 9th June

• Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning – 19th June

• Minister for Justice and Home Affairs – 25th July.

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4.  Secondary Education Funding Review

The Panel received an update from Officers on the current status of the survey analysis, and that a first draft of this was expected to be received on 28th May 2024.

The Panel asked Officers to draft a letter to advise Ministers of the re-launch of its review and to arrange a hearing for 10th of July 2024 with the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning. The Panel tasked Officers to draft a list of stakeholders and a draft question plan for its hearing.

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5.  States Business

The Panel noted the recent letters, reports and Ministerial Decisions that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting.

The  Panel  noted  the  Amendment  lodged  by  the  Council  of  Ministers  to  its Amendment to the Common Strategic Policy (P.21/2024), which changed the words “ St. Helier ” to “Town”. The Panel had discussed the Amendment electronically and had agreed that it would accept this. The effect of the Amendment to the Amendment

was that it would ensure that St Luke's school and St Saviour would be included in the definition (whilst not physically located in St Helier - their catchment areas did include St Helier).

6.  Any Other Business

The Panel discussed the following:

• The Panel noted an invitation for it to join the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning on a visit to Jersey Library on 29th May.

• The Chair advised the Panel that she had been in email correspondence with the Headteacher at Janvrin Primary School and asked Officers to arrange a visit to the school for the Panel.

• The Chair undertook to speak with the Chair of the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel about a possible joint visit to the charity Eyecan to discuss support provided for children’s glasses.

• The Panel had some more group photographs taken for use as part of Scrutiny Panel updates on the States Assembly’s social media accounts.

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7.  Future Meetings

The Panel noted its next scheduled private meeting would take place at 9.00am on Monday 3rd June 2024 in Le Capelain Room, States Building.

Present

Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

Apologies

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair

In attendance

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Records of Meetings

The Panel noted and approved the record of the meetings held on 7th March, 24th April, 2nd May, 7th May, and 20th May 2024.

2.  Work Programme

The Panel noted its planned work programme for 2024. The Panel noted that it would receive briefings on:

• Draft amendments to the Mental Health Law, which would impact young offenders held in secure accommodation, on 5th June 2024;

• extension of British Nationality legislation, on the 7th of June 2024. The Panel asked officers to request more information to be shared with the Panel ahead of briefing;

• Proposed changes to the status and title of the Family Division Registrar role, on 10th June 2024; and

• Proposed changes to child remand, on 18th June 2024.

The Panel also noted that the Government Plan 2025 – 2028 was expected to be lodged in July 2024.

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3.  Quarterly Public Hearing with the Minister for Children and Families

The Panel discussed and agreed its question plan for the hearing with the Minister for Children and Families on the 19th of June 2024, subject to amendments. The plan included questions and topic areas which had been discussed by the Panel.

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4.  Quarterly Public Hearing with the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning

The Panel discussed and agreed its question plan for the hearing with the Minister for  Education  and  Lifelong  Learning  on  the  19th  of  June,  subject  to  minor amendments.  The  plan  included  questions  and  topic  areas  which  had  been discussed by the Panel.

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5.  Secondary Education Funding Review

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The Panel received an update from officers on the current status of the survey analysis, and that a first draft had been expected to be received on 28th May 2024.

The Panel was advised that that survey analysis was reportedly making progress but that first draft was not ready to be shared with the Panel, an update would be provided at the earliest opportunity.

6.  States Business

The Panel noted the recent letters, reports and Ministerial Decisions that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting.

The Panel asked for officers to request further information about MD-HA-2024-400 (related to changes to Ambulance tariffs) and MD-ELL-2024-425 (related to fee increases for Higher Education, Adult Community Education and Apprentice course fee increases).

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7.  Any Other Business

The Panel discussed the following:

 The Panel noted that it had been invited to attend a visit to Rouge Bouillon school with the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning. Connétable M. Labey provided his advanced apologies for the visit. .

8.  Future Meetings

The Panel noted its next scheduled private meeting would take place at 9.00am on Monday 24th June 2024 in Le Capelain Room, States Building.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Ben  Sandeman,  Policy  Principal,  Strategic  Policy,  Planning  and Performance, Cabinet Office

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Briefing: Draft Mental Health (Young Offenders) Law Amendment (Jersey) Regulations 202- (the ‘Regulations’)

The Panel received the Policy Principal for a private briefing about the Regulations which proposed changes to the Mental Health (Jersey) Law 2016. If approved, the Regulations would specifically apply to children and young people under the age of 21  years  old,  who  were  serving  a  sentence  of  youth  detention  in  secure accommodation.

The Panel was advised that the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel had been separately briefed about the Regulations.

This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 36 and a private record was taken.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Jacqueline Tobias, Assistant Legal Adviser, Law Officers Department Warr en  Simmonds,  Legal  and  Policy  Principal  –  Immigration  and Nationality, Customs and Immigration Department

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Briefing: updates to legislation relating to British nationality

The Panel received the Assistant Legal Adviser and the Legal and Policy Principal for a private briefing about a draft proposition which would ask the States Assembly to agree the extension of various British nationality provisions from UK legislation to Jersey. It was highlighted to the Panel that the proposals dealt exclusively with nationality and would not include elements which related to immigration control.

It was noted that the proposition was likely to be lodged in summer 2024 and the Panel accepted the offer of a further briefing nearer that time.

This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35 and a private record was taken.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Rebecca Morley-Kirk, Judicial Greffier Maria Washington, Senior Policy Officer

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Briefing:  Draft  Family  Division  Registrar  (Change  of  Status  and  Title) (Jersey) Law 202- (the Draft Law)

The Panel received the Judicial Greffier and a Senior Policy Officer for a private briefing about the proposed Draft Law which proposed changes to the Royal Court (Jersey) Law 1948 and would also make consequential amendments to a number of other pieces of legislation.

This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 36 and a private record was taken.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair

Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair

Apologies

Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Nathan Fox, Associate Director, Justice, Cabinet Office

Chay  Pike,  Senior  Policy  Officer,  Strategic  Policy,  Planning  and Performance, Cabinet Office

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Briefing: Legislative changes to child remand

The Panel received the Associate Director and the Senor Policy Officer for a private briefing about the Draft Children and Young People (Place of Police Detention) Miscellaneous Amendments (Jersey) Law 202- (the draft Law).

The Panel was advised that the draft Law was intended to provide a new option to remand  a  child  or  young  person  (10  to  18  years  of  age)  in  non-secure accommodation if they were arrested, charged and were waiting for the next available court date.

This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35 and a private record was taken.

The Panel was advised that the earliest that the draft Law would be lodged by the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs was the first week of July, for debate in September.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Agenda matter 1:

Connétable Richard Vibert , Minister for Children and Families

Deputy Malcolm Ferey , Assistant Minister for Children and Families

Rob Sainsbury, Chief Officer of Children, Education, Young People and Skills (CYPES)

Donna Marriott, Director of Children’s Services

Darren Bowring, Associate Director, Mental Health and Wellbeing

Andrew Heaven, Senior Policy Officer, Cabinet Office

Agenda matter 2:

Deputy Rob Ward , Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning

Deputy Carina Alves , Assistant Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning Seán O’Regan, Group Director for CYPES

Rob Sainsbury, Chief Officer of CYPES

Nicola Mulliner, Head of Childcare and Early Years Services

Keith Posner, Associate Director, Innovation, Transformation and Business Support

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Charlotte Curry, Communications Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Quarterly Public Hearing: Minister for Children and Families

The Panel noted and discussed its question plan in preparation for the Public Hearing with the Minister for Children and Families at 9:00 am.

The Panel welcomed the Minister Children and Families, the Assistant Minister, and various Government Officers for a Quarterly Public Hearing at 9.00 am. The hearing was recorded, and webcast live via Public-I and a transcript was produced.

Following the Public Hearing, the Panel discussed key topics to include on a social media update with the Communications Officer.

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2.  Quarterly Public Hearing: Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning

The Panel noted and discussed its question plan in preparation for the Public Hearing with the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning at 2.00 pm.

The Panel welcomed the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, the Assistant Minister, and various Government Officers for a Quarterly Public Hearing at 2.00 pm. The hearing was recorded, and webcast live via Public-I and a transcript was produced.

Following the Public Hearing, the Panel discussed key topics to include on a social media update with the Communications Officer.

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Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Electronic meeting: Draft Mental Health (Young Offenders) Law (Jersey) Amendment Regulations 202-

The Panel considered and approved its draft Comments Paper on the Draft Mental Health (Young Offenders) Law (Jersey) Amendment Regulations 202- (P.40/2024).

The Panel approved that its Comments Paper be submitted for presentation to the States Assembly and asked the officer to make relevant arrangements.

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Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Dr Carmel Corrigan, Children’s Commissioner for Jersey

Tara Murphy, Policy Officer, Office of the Children’s Commissioner for Jersey

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Introductory meeting with the Children’s Commissioner for Jersey

The Panel received Dr Carmel Corrigan, the Children’s Commissioner for Jersey (the Children’s Commissioner) and the Policy Officer for an introductory meeting.

The Panel thanked the Children’s Commissioner for the recent submission she had provided to the Panel’s review of the Draft Mental Health (Young Offenders) Law (Jersey) Amendment Regulations 202- [P.40/2024] and this matter was discussed. The Panel confirmed that it was in the process of finalising its  Comments on P.40/2024, for the attention of States Members ahead of the debate.

This remainder of the meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Absolute Exemption Article 26 and a private record was taken.

The Panel thanked the Children’s Commissioner and the Policy Officer for their time and the meeting was concluded.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Stockman, Jersey Field Squadron Major Ross J Barnes, Jersey Field Squadron

Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Visit to Jersey Field Squadron

The  Panel  visited  Jersey  Field  Squadron  base,  Le  Quesne  Barracks,  Mount Bingham, St Helier to learn more about the Squadron’s history, plans, and how it operates.

The Panel was provided with a briefing on Jersey Field Squadron. The briefing explained the history of the Squadron, current and past operations, organisation structure, financial position, and challenges going forwards. The Panel had the opportunity  to  ask  questions  at  the  end  of  the  briefing  regarding  recruitment, employer support, and about the facilities and equipment.

The Panel was then provided with a tour of the facilities, including the gym and sleeping area for the soldiers.

The Panel thanked the Officers for their time, and the site visit was concluded.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Records of Meetings

The Panel noted and approved the records of the meetings held on 10th May, 3rd, 5th, 7th and 10th June 2024.

2.  Work Programme

The Panel reviewed its planned work programme for 2024 and noted that it was scheduled to receive the following briefings:

• A briefing from the Attorney General about permissive extent clauses on 27th June (at the Panel’s request);

• A joint briefing with the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel on Emergency Planning on 12th September; and

• A briefing about Skills Jersey and visits to Highlands College and Skills Jersey on 25th September 2024.

The Panel agreed to continue its planned work to review online safety for children in Jersey.

The Panel also noted that the Government Plan 2025–2028 was expected to be lodged in July 2024. The Officer reported that the Scrutiny Liaison Committee had agreed that the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel would lead the review and cover any overarching themes.

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3.  Quarterly Public Hearing

The Panel discussed its question plan for the hearing with the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, which was scheduled to be held on 25th July 2024. The Panel tasked officers with adding additional areas to the question plan.

The Chair noted that she would be unable to attend the hearing as scheduled and, after discussion, requested the Officer to enquire whether the Minister would be amenable to rearrange the date for the hearing.

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4.  Secondary Education Funding Review

The Panel noted its hearing with the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning in relation to the Secondary Education Funding Review on 10th July 2024 and discussed the areas of focus for its question plan. Officers confirmed that the draft question plan would be shared with the Panel before its next meeting on Monday 8th July.

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The  Panel  asked  Officers  to  include  pre-  and  post-  hearing  meetings  in  their calenders.

The Panel received the survey analysis report which had been outsourced to Island Global Research (IGR). The Panel reviewed the report and provided some initial comments. The Panel agreed that this would be published as an appendix to its own report, in due course, and that it would not be released earlier.

The Panel also instructed Officers to draft follow-up letters to teaching  unions regarding the review.

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5.  Work Permit Holder Welfare Review Panel

The Panel received a verbal update from Deputy Beatriz Porée regarding the status of the Work Permit Holder Welfare Review being undertaken by the Review Panel.

It was noted that the Review Panel had not yet concluded its work, so the Panel agreed that there were no immediate actions for it to action.

6.  States Business

The Panel noted the recent letters, reports and Ministerial Decisions that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting.

The Panel noted its approval of Comments on P.40/2024, which was expected to be debated at the States Assembly sitting commencing on 25th June 2024 (if approval for a reduced lodging period was granted). The Chair asked the Officer to confirm that the Comments were included on the consolidated order paper.

The Panel referred to the States of Jersey Police Annual Report 2023 (R.109/2024) which had been presented by the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs on 21st June 2024. The Officer was asked to enquire why the Panel was not provided with the opportunity to read it in advance of it being made public.

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7.  Any Other Business

The Panel noted and discussed the following:

• The Panel noted the technical difficulties with the video broadcast of its public hearing with the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning on 19th June 2024. The Chair asked that the video be removed from the States Assembly website unless the sequencing could be fixed. The Officer confirmed that technical support was being sought to review the issue and that a transcript of the hearing would be available after five working days.

• The Panel noted that it had visited the Jersy Field Squadron on 21st June 2024.

• The Panel asked the Officer to follow up with Government regarding its request to visit further primary schools in relation to the school meal delivery programme.

• The Chair informed the Panel about a public talk by independent consultant, Tim Gill, on the subject of “Playful places: how a child friendly approach to planning could transform St Helier for all”, which was taking place at the Town Hall later that day (Monday 24th June).

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8.  Future Meetings

The Panel noted that its next scheduled private meeting would take place at 9.00am on Monday 8th July 2024 in the Le Capelain Room, States Building.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Mark Temple KC, HM Attorney General

Advocate Matthew Berry, Senior Legal Adviser, Law Officer’s Department

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Briefing from Law Officers: Permissive Extent Clauses

The Panel met with the Attorney General and the Senior Legal Adviser for a briefing on the subject of permissive extent clauses. This meeting was held in private and, in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exempt Information Article 31, a private record was taken.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Records of Meetings

The Panel noted and approved the records of the meetings held on 18th, 19th, 20th (x2), 21st, and 24th June 2024.

JB

2.  Work Programme

The Panel reviewed its planned work programme for 2024 and noted that it was scheduled to receive the following briefings:

• A joint briefing with the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel on Emergency Planning on 12th September; and

• A briefing about, and visit to, Skills Jersey and visit to Highlands College on 25th September 2024.

The Panel asked Officers to update its work programme with an updated status and new comments on a number of matters.

The Panel also reviewed and approved a draft Scoping Document for a standalone hearing on the subject of “Online safety for children in Jersey”. The Panel requested that the Officer send it to Scrutiny Liaison Committee (SLC) to approve the budget request.

The Panel discussed various matters relating to Children’s Social Care and foster carers and asked the Officer to draft a letter to the Minister for Children and Families with the queries discussed.

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3.  Quarterly Public Hearing

The Panel noted its question plan for the hearing with the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, which has now been rescheduled to the 22nd of August 2024. The Panel agreed to look at the updated question plan in its next meeting.

The Panel  tasked Officers to start  working on  the question  plans  for the  next Quarterly Public Hearings  with the Minister Children  and Families  hearing  and Minister Education and Lifelong Learning. The Panel had a number of topic areas they asked Officers to include in the question plans.

JB

4.  Secondary Education Funding Review

The Panel noted its hearing with the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning in relation to the Secondary Education Funding Review on 10th July 2024 and discussed its question plan and additional research information which had been prepared by Officers.

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5.  States Business

The Panel noted the recent letters, reports and Ministerial Decisions that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting.

6.  Any Other Business

The Panel noted and discussed the following:

• The Panel agreed that an item be included on the agenda for all future Panel meetings to allow each Panel member to provide a verbal update on matters of interest to the Panel. It was requested that this be included as an early item in the running order at each regular meeting.

• The Panel requested its officers to arrange a private briefing with the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning at a mutually convenient time during the forthcoming week.

KdC

7.  Future Meetings

The Panel noted that its next scheduled private meeting would take place at 9.00am on Monday 29th July 2024 in the Le Capelain Room, States Building.

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Deputy Rob Ward , Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning

Rob Sainsbury, Chief Officer of Children, Education, Young People and Skills (CYPES)

Seán O’Regan, Group Director for CYPES

Anne Homer, Head of Finance Business Partnering, CYPES

Jonathan Williams, Programme Director for Education Reform, CYPES

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer Charlotte Curry, Communications Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Public Hearing for the Scrutiny Panel’s Secondary Education Funding Review: questions to the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning

The Panel noted and discussed its question plan in preparation for the public hearing with the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning.

The Panel welcomed the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning and various Government Officers for the public hearing at 3:00pm. The hearing was recorded, and webcast live via Public-I and a transcript was produced.

Following the public hearing, the Panel discussed key topics to include on a social media update with the Communications Officer.

CC (CO)

Present

Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member

In attendance

Deputy Rob Ward , Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning

Deputy Carina Alves , Assistant Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning

Rob Sainsbury, Chief Officer of Children, Education, Young People and Skills (CYPES)

Seán O’Regan, Group Director for CYPES

Russell Crowe, Head of Treasury and Investment Management, Treasury and Exchequer

Martin Keith, Private Secretary to the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning

Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer

Agenda matter

Action

1.  Private briefing from the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning

The Panel met with the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, the Assistant Minister, and officers for a private briefing. This meeting was held in private and, in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Absolutely Exempt Information Article 26, a private record was taken.