Issue - meetings

The committee received the report which set out the findings from the Ofsted Inspection of Local Authority Children’s Services (ILACS) conducted in February and March 2024, the plans in place to improve services in relation to the findings, and monitoring arrangements from Ofsted and the Department for Education (DfE).

The Executive Director of Children’s Services introduced the report and reiterated apologies to the care experienced young people for whom the support and services were found to be inadequate. The Executive Director thanked the staff in Children and Families Services who were working to deliver the required improvements that had been identified and expressed the view that, while the findings were extremely disappointing, they were believed to be a positive catalyst for continued improvement and would be used to reflect, learn and move forward.

The committee raised questions and provided scrutiny in relation to the outcome.

It was queried whether the letter from the DfE had been received and whether the committee could have sight of it. It was confirmed that a draft letter had been received and officers were due to meet with the DfE to discuss. A copy of the letter in its final form could be shared with the committee.

Regarding the Improvement Board, it was noted that the DfE had advised that it was not normal practice for this to be a political meeting with member attendees, other than the committee Chair in her role as statutory lead member. It was requested that this advice be reviewed to consider the inclusion of another member of the committee.

The following members were nominated to sit on the Corporate Parenting Working Group:

-       Cllr Rachel Bailey

-       Cllr John Bird

-       Cllr Jos Saunders

-       Cllr Geoff Smith

RESOLVED:

That the Children and Families Committee:

Unanimously:

1. Note the inspection findings, implications for monitoring from Ofsted and the DfE, and plans to improve services

Unanimously:

2. Agree to hold a task and finish workshop for Children and Families committee on 2 July 2024 to review and scrutinise the draft improvement plan

By majority:

3. Agree to the onward referral of the improvement plan for approval at full Council on 17 July 2024

By majority:

4. Approve the terms of reference for the Improvement Board

By majority:

5. Agree the development of the terms of reference for the Corporate Parent Working Group and agree member membership

Unanimously:

6. Include in the committee’s work programme receipt of assurance reports updating the committee on progress and impact measured against the agreed improvement plan, to all future meetings