Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor L Jeuda

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 26 September 2016

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 26 September 2016.

RESOLVED

That the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest

To provide an opportunity for Members to declare the existence of a party whip in relation to any item on the agenda

There were no whipping declarations

A total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to make a statement(s) on any matter that falls within the remit of the Committee.

Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes, but the Chairman will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned, where there are a number of speakers.

Note: In order for officers to undertake any background research, it would be helpful if members of the public contacted the Scrutiny officer listed at the foot of the agenda, at least one working day before the meeting to provide brief details of the matter to be covered.

There were no members of the public wishing to speak

To give consideration to the Independent Review Officers Annual Report.

Consideration was given to the Independent Review Officers (IRO) Annual Report 2015/16. The report provided qualitative and quantitative evidence relating to the IRO service in Cheshire East as required by statutory guidance. it was noted that the priorities for 2016/17 related to Strategy; prevention and performance; anti oppressive practices; communication and collaboration.

The following comments were made:

·         With regard to staffing,  it was noted that there had been a number of changes which had had an impact on implementing some of the 2014/15 priorities,  this was now being addressed, however further work was required.

·         It was noted that child participation in review rates were down slightly from previous years, which because of  the high turnover of staff,  may be due to recording inconsistency between IRO’s.

·         It was agreed that a lot still needed to be done in relation to special educational needs and emotional health.

·         Members raised concern that 34 care leavers were not engaged in work, training or education. It was agreed that further details on how they are supported and the reasons for not being in work, education or training would be considered by the committee at a future meeting.

·         There appeared to be communication and data issues throughout the report, which were also evidenced in the performance scorecard.

Members agreed that as the performance of the service had clearly been affected by staffing and recruitment issues, an update report would be received in 6 months time.

RESOLVED

That an update report including details of the 34 care leavers not in training education or work, be received in 6 months time.

To give consideration to the items of the forward plan which fall within the remit of the Committee

Consideration was given to the items of the forward plan which fell within the remit of the Committee. It was noted that the description of  item CE 16/17-20 – Crewe Nurseries was incorrect and would be amended.

RESOLVED

That the items be noted

To give consideration to the work programme

Consideration was given to the work programme. The following amendments were made:

·         That the update on the children and young persons improvement plan be considered on 28 November 2016 and not on 19 December.

·         That an update on the IRO annual report and progress made be considered in April 2017.

·         That a progress report on the cabinet resolution relating to available routes to schools be considered in April 2017.

Members agreed that as the agenda for November was too large, in consultation with the Chairman, some items would be deferred to the December meeting.

RESOLVED

That the work programme be amended to reflect the items highlighted above.