Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from those Members who are unable to attend the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Armer and O’Donnovan.

To approve the Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on the 1^st October 2025.

RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the meeting held on 1 October 2025 be approved as a correct record.

Members will be asked to say if there are any items on the Agenda in which they have any disclosable pecuniary interests or any other interests, which may prevent them from participating in any discussion of the items or participating in any vote upon the items.

No interests were declared.

Most agenda items take place in public. This only changes where there is a need to consider exempt information, as contained at Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. You will be informed at this point which items are to be recommended for exclusion and to be resolved by the Panel.

All agenda items were considered in public session.

The Panel will receive any petitions and/or deputations from members of the public. A deputation is where up to five people can attend the meeting and make a presentation on some particular issue of concern. A member of the public can also submit a petition at the meeting relating to a matter on which the body has powers and responsibilities.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10, Members of the Public must submit a deputation in writing, at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting and shall subsequently be notified if the deputation shall be heard. A maximum of four deputations shall be heard at any one meeting.

No petitions were received.       

The Panel received a deputation from Dr Dylan Murphy in relation to support services for people in Calderdale and Kirklees living with Myalgic Encephalitis.

To receive any public questions.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11, the period for the asking and answering of public questions shall not exceed 15 minutes.

Any questions must be submitted in writing at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting.

No public questions were received.

To receive a presentation on 0-19 Commissioning – Access to Care, The Role of the Health Visitor in Kirklees.

Contact: Nicola Sylvester, Principal Governance and Democratic Engagement Officer.  Tel: 01484 221000.

The Health and Adults Social Care Scrutiny Panel received an overview of the role of Health Visitors within the Kirklees 0 to 19 integrated service. The report and presentation explained that Health Visitors delivered the national Healthy Child Programme locally, with a strong emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and supporting families from pregnancy through to school age. Their responsibilities included leading the Healthy Child Programme for 0 to 5 years, promoting health and child development, supporting parental and infant mental health, and safeguarding children. Health Visitors also worked to identify needs early and provide targeted support where required.

The reports highlighted that Health Visitors played a key role in antenatal care, typically making contact with families between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy to build relationships, assess wellbeing, and identify vulnerabilities. Postnatal contacts followed a structured schedule, including a new baby review at 10 to 14 days, a 6 to 8 week visit, and developmental reviews at one year and between two and two-and-a-half years. Additional visits were offered based on assessed need, for example where there were concerns about feeding, maternal mental health, safeguarding, or housing issues. Digital support tools such as the 0 to 19 app, ChatHealth, and online parenting courses were also available.

The reports confirmed that Health Visitors were key safeguarding professionals, working closely with social care, GPs, maternity services, and early help teams. They contributed to child protection planning and provided evidence for assessments. Partnership working was described as central to the service, with collaboration across agencies including Change, Grow, Live, Home-Start, Fresh Futures, and mental health services. Peer supporters and community champions were also involved in delivering health messages and supporting infant feeding initiatives.

The reports noted that the service aimed to promote equity and reduce health inequalities by using data on deprivation, ethnicity, and ward-level needs to shape interventions. Performance data showed that Kirklees was broadly in line with regional and national trends for key contacts, although multiparous antenatal women were less likely to engage with antenatal visits. Locala monitored exceptions data to understand reasons for non-engagement and to improve service delivery. The Scrutiny Panel was asked to consider the information provided and determine any further actions required.

Questions and comments were invited from Members of the Health and Adults Social Care Scrutiny Panel, and the following was raised:

·       The Panel raised concern that 25% of pregnant women still received no antenatal contact and members queried how the service plans to reach those women.

·       Officers stated they were targeting hard to reach families, repeatedly attempting contact, and promoting new tools including the 0 to 19 app along with improved website information.

·       Officers described increased integration with family hubs, early support teams, and the gateway single access point to improve early identification and rapid signposting.

·       The Panel raised concerns that some women received no antenatal information at hospital and may fall through the net although officers acknowledged this and were committed to persistent follow?up.

·       Questions were asked about digital resources and accessibility  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

The Panel to review its work programme and agenda plan for 2025/26.

Contact: Nicola Sylvester, Principal Governance and Democratic Engagement Officer.  Tel: 01484 221000.

RESOLVED: That the work programme be noted.