To receive a presentation on the above.

The Panel considered a presentation entitled ‘Peer Review and Action Plan’ which informed Members of the process and outcome of the Peer Review undertaken by the Eastern Region Partnership between 20-22 February  The presentation was introduced by the Interim Head of the Corporate Parenting Service.

The Panel noted that on the slide headed ‘Action Plan – Work Streams‘ work stream number 6 should read ‘Policy on missing UASC needs to be clearer’.

A copy of the presentation pack is attached at Appendix A to the minutes.

Points and comments included:

1.    An expression of gratitude by the Interim Head of the Corporate Parenting Service to the Children in Care Council for its contribution to the Peer Review.  He also thanked Members for the leadership role they had carried out.

2.    Arising from the findings of the Review the Interim Head of the Corporate Parenting Service stressed that reflective supervision was taking place but that the extent to which it was held had not been accurately recorded.

3.    The Assistant Director Safeguarding and Early Help stated that the Peer Review had been treated by the Council as if it were a full OFSTED inspection.

4.    The inspection team had stated that the quality of the Council’s service was far better than the impression given by the Council itself.  The Panel noted that OFSTED had previously made a similar comment.

5.    The Peer Review was a planned (pre-notified) in-depth inspection which used OFSTED descriptors.  The work undertaken by the Council in preparation for the Review would be useful when the expected future OFSTED inspection took place.

6.    The Assistant Director Safeguarding and Early Help referred to those areas where the Review had felt the Council could improve and he set out the action which had been taken in response.  Although there was no final score awarded by the Review the Assistant Director Safeguarding and Early Help stated that, given there was no evidence of inadequacy, he believed the score would have been ‘good’.

7.    The Interim Head of Corporate Parenting responded to Members’ queries regarding support for ‘Out of County’ care leavers   The meeting noted the background to this issue and the action which had already been taken.  The Panel also noted planned purchase of an app which would allow young people to access the full range of information that they required.

8.    With regard to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) the Assistant Director Safeguarding and Early Help advised that although the score had improved he acknowledged that issues remained in Central Bedfordshire regarding young peoples’ mental health and general wellbeing.

9.    Full debate took place on the issue of housing provision for care leavers and young people and the quantity, quality and appropriateness of that available.  A Children in Care Ambassador briefed the Panel of her own experiences in this area.  The Assistant Director Safeguarding and Early Help, the Interim Head of Corporate Parenting and Assistant Director Housing Services responded to the points raised by Members.

10. In response to comments raised by the Chairman the Assistant Director Safeguarding and Early Help stated that Action Plan arising from the Review would be issued shortly.  He added that much was already complete.  With regard to employment and care leavers he suggested that a deep dive report and presentation be made to the Panel accompanied by care leavers and including the aspirations list.  The Assistant Director Safeguarding and Early Help stressed that accommodation for care leavers had been a matter of consideration for some time though he acknowledged that progress had been slow.  Following further debate he stated that the report on housing scheduled for the Panel’s July meeting would include an outline plan with actions and options.

NOTED

the presentation entitled ‘Peer Review and Action Plan’.

RESOLVED

that a ‘deep dive’ item on care leaver employment to include a presentation, the aspirations list and the attendance of care leavers be made to a future meeting of the Panel.