Agenda item

The Chairman welcomed the report and invited Officers to present the item.

Chris Munday (Executive Director, Children and Young People), Tina McElligott (Director Children’s Social Care, Help & Protection) and Brigitte Jordaan (Director Children’s Social Care, Children in Care) presented and summarised the report.

Officers spoke about the detailed data, headlines and actions being taken to address the issues, as set out within the Children’s services Analysis Tool (ChAT).

In response to a query about the source of contacts compared to the source of referrals in the last six months - Officers referred to page 28 of the Agenda and noted that the data could be interpreted to mean that the same contact could’ve been made by different agencies. 

The Committee queried about the 2018-19 data for referrals and Officers explained that the data is captured at six months’ intervals. In addition, it was noted that the data for the previous financial year is due to be released due to the data collation process for other LA areas.

Members asked about the process for updating schools’ social workers list when a social worker leaves. Officers noted that lists are updated as soon as practically possible to ensure each school has an up to date list.

The Committee noted the data for Children Looked After (CLA) leaving care for the past six months and queried the figures for children returning home to live with parents/ relatives. Officers informed the Committee that the cohort is monitored carefully and parents/ relatives’ circumstances are re-assessed and the arrangements around special guardians and connected carers.

In response to a query from the Committee about the number of missing episodes per CLA, it was noted that their whereabouts are known. In addition, the teams work collaboratively with partners to ensure that intelligence is gathered effectively and to try and keep children and young people as safe as possible.

Following a comment from the Committee about the data for dental checks, Officers informed that the figures are reliant on up to date data being reported into the system. As an ongoing piece of work, this area of work continues to be monitored for further improvement.

Members asked about opportunities for young people towards education and training – it was noted that more young people were placed in apprenticeships across the Council and making good progress in their placements. Further alternative opportunities have been explored whilst also making use of Live Unlimited and their contacts which has resulted in an increase in opportunities for training and apprenticeships.

The Committee requested an update on the frustrations experienced with the Children’s Services IT systems and processes. Officers agreed to incorporate how this was being addressed as part of the next Quarterly Update report. (Action: FS Quarterly Update report)

Committee Members noted that the layout and presentation of the data within the ChAT report as being very useful. The Chairman thanked the Committee for the discussion, it was unanimously RESOLVED:

1.    That the Committee noted and scrutinised as above the Children’s Social Care performance information provided in Appendix 1.

2.    That the Committee noted and scrutinised as above the progress of performance against the Children and Young People’s Plan.