To receive a report and consider measures to address recommendations raised following a recent OFTED inspection of Children’s Services.

The full OFSTED inspection report can be accessed via the following link:-

http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/school/ofsted/overview.aspx

The Director of Children’s Services delivered an action plan to address areas of improvement following a recent OFSTED inspection of the service. Several recommendations had been expanded to include a wider remit, not just meeting the minimum requirements set out by the inspector. Members were advised of the need to recruit social workers who understood the holistic approach and new direction of the service, along with the need to support families in order to prevent children entering statutory services. The service had been shortlisted for a national award, the outcome of which would be determined within the coming weeks.

The Vice Chairman formally congratulated the directorate for the positive outcome of the OFSTED inspection, with the service categorised as ‘Good’ by the inspector.

In light of the report Members discussed the following in summary: -

·           That the action plan appeared thorough and timescales for delivery were reassuring.

·           That, although no child in the care of the local authority had presented as homeless, several older adults who had been through the social care system in the past had experienced periods of homelessness.

·           Clarity around the advice provided to 16-17 year olds in relation to their statutory rights to independent living, with a supported housing scheme the preferred option which Members of the Committee endorsed.

·           That a new recording system would support a collaborative and joined up approach between local authority departments, which included housing options.

RECOMMENDED: -

1.     That the Director and Executive Member express the Committee’s view to OFSTED that outdated legislative data in relation to the age whereby young people were supported into independent living be revisited at a national level.

2.     That the action plan and progress report be delivered to the Committee on a bi-annual basis.