Introduction

Your views matter to us and we recognise and value everyone who uses Peterborough's children services.

We are always looking for ways to improve our services and you could have some ideas on how we could achieve this.

When we receive your feedback we will acknowledge and consider how we can use your views to improve the ways we deliver our services in the near future. We will respond to your comments within 20 working days informing you of what action we have taken and if any service changes have occurred as a result of your feedback.

Tell us your views on children's social care

Young Inspectors

Have you ever used a service for young people and thought you could improve it? Would you like to voice your views and ideas but are unsure how to get to them heard and acted upon?

If you are aged between 13-24 years old and have experience of children's social care you could become a Young Inspector, volunteering with the council to help make sure that young people's views and opinions are heard on the services they use.

What is a Young Inspector?

A Young Inspector helps to improve services and make changes that benefit young people, children and families in the Peterborough area. You will help to make sure the views and experiences of the Young Inspectors are listened to and acted upon to make a difference.

What does a Young Inspector do?

Young Inspectors choose services they are going to inspect and how to do this, for example:

Acting as a customer by asking for information in person or over the phone to see how they respond
Carrying out surveys with people who have used services to gain their views
Watching services in action and checking that standards of service are met
Checking that building and surroundings are fit for purpose, looking at things like easy access, information, friendliness and ease of use.

Where possible inspections run during the school holidays and are unannounced to ensure the Young Inspectors get a true picture of the service that users will receive. Once an inspection is complete, a report and action plan is produced to help improve the service for users. A further visit takes place six months after the initial inspection to check on agreed improvements. Before each inspection your role will be agreed, you will not be asked to do anything you are uncomfortable with and the Young Inspectors Co-ordinator will be accessible at all times.

What's in it for me?

There are many benefits from becoming a Young Inspector, including:

Improve your confidence and self esteem
Learn and develop skills such as communication, problem solving and information gathering
Make a positive difference to other young people in and around the Peterborough area
Make new friends and meet new people
Achieve a Volunteer Certificate

If you would like more information please contact Amanda Douglas 01733 863750 or email qa@peterborough.gov.uk.

Children's and Families Support Group

What is a Children and Families Support Group?

This is a group of parents who meet to share their opinions and ideas about issues that affect them and their families. A Support Group gives parents the chance to have an input in the way that their local Peterborough City Council delivers its services. Parents are encouraged to voice their opinions on the delivery of current activities, proposed future activities and any other relevant issues that may arise.

Who is the Support Group for?

It is for parents and carers of children on a Child in Need Plan or Child Protection Plan. No experience is necessary to be involved, just enthusiasm and a commitment of attending meetings.

What can I expect?

A friendly welcome! Updates from the Quality Assurance staff team on what has been happening and discuss any new issues. Staff bring their ideas to the Support Group to see what parents think. There is a member of staff available to answer any questions you may have.

What is in it for me?

Meet other parents and carers in similar situations
Help us to improve the service.
Make a difference
Have your voice heard.
Relax and enjoy a coffee/tea and cake!

Why have a service user Support Group?

The ideas that the Support Group discuss help the Quality Assurance Team to improve the services that children and families receive from Children’s social care.

Peterborough City Council is keen to involve parents in the delivery of the project. All parent’s views are welcomed and respected.