Agenda item

Councillor Smith was invited to present an overview of the report and confirmed that the Council had officially received a letter confirming that it is no longer under Ofsted intervention, marking an important milestone in improving outcomes for children and young people.

Linda Evans, Director of Children’s Social Care and Early Help, outlined that the Children’s Improvement Plan submitted to Ofsted is a multi-agency plan, involving partners across education, health and safeguarding. The plan sets out a strong commitment to improving the quality of practice with children and families and creating the right conditions for a future Ofsted inspection. She explained that the plan focuses on delivering better practice and outcomes and identifies seven key priority areas.

These priorities include providing strong interventions and services, supporting care-experienced young people, strengthening relationships across agencies, and developing a stable and committed workforce that remains in Bury. Linda Evans stressed that workforce stability is critical to delivering the plan. The final priority focuses on robust quality assurance, with oversight through the Strengthening Outcomes Board and assurance via the Bury Safeguarding Children Partnership. She noted that Ofsted had returned feedback in December and that the next phase is to drive delivery and improvement against the plan.

Councillor Haroon asked how attendance by the police at Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) meetings would be ensured, noting that this had been a particular issue when the plan was drafted in November. Councillor Smith acknowledged the challenge and confirmed that this was a key issue being addressed, with reassurance that police engagement within MASH would be strengthened and monitored.

Councillor Boles asked how attendance and engagement at the Strengthening Outcomes Board would be maintained to ensure it remains effective. Councillor Smith responded that the Department for Education continues to chair and provide oversight, and noted that improvements in multi-agency working are starting earlier as part of wider reforms, although embedding consistent attendance has taken time.

Councillor Farooq asked what lessons had been learned from previous improvement plans. Councillor Smith explained that the focus is now firmly on strengthening outcomes and addressing inconsistency in practice. He highlighted the importance of good training, strong leadership, early planning and early intervention, noting that inconsistency in practice had previously limited impact despite good intentions.

Councillor Lancaster referred to Priority 6, noting that while there have been significant improvements, the area remains rated amber, and asked whether there were plans to incentivise and support staff retention. Councillor Smith responded that there has been notable success through the Corporate Parenting Board, alongside skills development and pathway work, including “Teaching Tuesday” sessions. He noted that caseloads are now consistently within expected levels and that in-work support has significantly improved, with positive feedback from Principal Social Workers.

Councillor Lancaster also asked whether looked-after children are being appropriately monitored. Linda Evans responded that children and young people have expressed frustration in the past about frequent changes in social workers, which impacts relationship-building. She confirmed that Children’s Social Care teams are now fully staffed and that consistency of social workers is a priority, with relationship-based practice placed at the forefront.

Councillor Smith added that there remain cases where children have had the same social worker for long periods, which is viewed positively.

Councillor Boles asked about training for social workers, particularly in relation to neglect and whether all staff were completing the required training. Linda Evans explained that work has been undertaken on understanding the root causes of neglect and that a training platform has been introduced. The expectation is that the entire workforce will complete this training, with additional sessions held on 19 and 21 January to increase uptake and coverage.

In summarising the discussion, key points raised by Members included the need to ensure consistent police attendance at MASH, addressing historic inconsistencies in practice, and providing ongoing assurance around workforce stability, training and retention.

It Was Agreed:

·       The update be noted