Verbal update to be provided by the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People.
Minutes:
Councillor Lucy Smith provided an overview of the improvement plan, supported by Jeanette Richards, who emphasized that due to a recent Ofsted visit, certain papers could not be made public. The improvement plan update included a part verbal update and references to resources in the agenda pack.
The meeting included a discussion on complex safeguarding, focusing on Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE). The importance of multi-agency collaboration and the effectiveness of the multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH) were highlighted. The recent Ofsted monitoring visit, which took place on October 31 and November 1, was discussed, noting that it was the sixth and final visit before a full inspection.
The improvement journey since the ILACS inspection at the end of 2021 was reviewed. The council has been in an improvement cycle with regular monitoring visits. The recent visit focused on the effectiveness of the front door arrangements, including the initial response team, emergency duty team, and management of allegations against professionals.
Significant improvement activities were noted, including the establishment of a permanent and stable leadership team across social care and early help. Key appointments, such as the Director of Social Care and Early Help, were highlighted. The council has increased stability across team manager groups and invested in additional social work teams to reduce caseloads and support positive change.
The council's unrelenting focus on the recruitment of social workers was discussed. Challenges in recruitment remain, but efforts include engaging a recruitment partner, launching a recruitment campaign, and offering incentives for successful referrals. The council has also developed a strong apprenticeship program and continues to extend it.
The feedback from the recent Ofsted monitoring visit was overwhelmingly positive. Inspectors noted significant progress since the 2021 inspection, with improvements in the use of thresholds, timely decision-making, and the quality of social work practice. The importance of strong corporate support, including financial investment and IT support, was emphasized.
The council's quality assurance framework was discussed, highlighting the causal link between quality assurance activities and improved performance. The need for consistent feedback from families and children within the audit process was noted. The council is committed to ongoing improvement and expects a full inspection within four to six months.
Councillor Smith asked about the importance of timely annual reviews for EHCPs and whether the council is on track to meet the December 2024 deadline for accurate monitoring and reporting. Jeanette Richards explained the importance of annual reviews in ensuring that EHCPs accurately reflect children's needs and progress. Efforts are being made to improve the monitoring and reporting mechanisms, and the council is working hard to meet the deadline.
There were discussions around complex safeguarding and how to keep the most vulnerable children safe. Considering strong conversations between our children, practitioners within our complex safeguarding team and police officers with a view to disruption. Jeanette informed the committee that there has been regular communications with the divisional commander at the police since she joined.
The meeting covered various aspects of the improvement plan, including complex safeguarding, workforce and performance management, recruitment and retention, and feedback from the recent Ofsted monitoring visit. The council is committed to ongoing improvement and ensuring that children receive the right help at the right time.
It was Agreed that:
· The report be noted
· Divisional Commander to attend the committee to provide an update