Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Abel and Councillor Saunders. Councillor Beanland attended as a substitute.

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 approve the minutes of the meeting held on 6 September 2022.

It was requested that the minutes of the previous meeting be amended to include Councillor Handley’s apologies and to correct a typographical error under the Care Leavers Service Annual Report.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 6 September 2022 be agreed as a correct record, subject to the above amendments.

To receive a verbal update on the Corporate Parenting Shadow Committee.

Two young people attended the meeting, as part of a committee takeover for Children’s Rights Month, to speak on issues that were important to care experienced young people. These included:

·         Having consistent support in place

·         Having a safe and secure home to live in and ensuring communication throughout any moves

·         Continuing to have their voices heard and have the opportunity to work with officers and elected members

The Chair advised that the Shadow Committee meet monthly and members of the Corporate Parenting Committee were welcome to attend.

To receive the Care Leaver Survey and the Cared for Children Survey reports.

The committee received the report which shared recommendations and actions from cared for children and care leavers following surveys and focus groups from October 2021 to September 2022.

Communication was a key concern and was largely down to staff shortages. Improving communication was to be prioritised. The mobile application was continuing to be explored although there was a significant cost attached to app development. Cheshire East had approached neighbouring Manchester authorities to enquire about being part of an app that they had developed.

It was noted that the action plan was a working document to be updated as feedback was received.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

To receive the Children’s Rights Annual Report.

The committee received the report which provided an update on how the Children’s Society has delivered the Independent Visiting Service for Cheshire East over the year, as well as an overview of the work undertaken from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

To receive the Virtual Head Teacher’s annual report.

The committee received the report which gave an overview of the operation and impact of the virtual school during 2021-22.

The report included details of the universities being attended by cared for young people and which courses they were studying. A request was made for future reports to include a similar breakdown for apprenticeships.

A further request was made for future reports to include data on the progress and performance of cared for young people at university which could provide an opportunity to celebrate their achievements.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

To receive the Corporate Parenting Scorecard for quarter 1.

The committee received the Corporate Parenting scorecard for quarter 1 of 2022 – 2023.

A request was made for the scorecard to include percentages or RAG rating going forward. It was agreed that officers would look at bringing the Corporate Parenting scorecard in line with the format of the Children and Families scorecard which would provide this and ensure consistency.

The committee thanked the young people who had attended the meeting. A suggestion was made to ask members of the shadow committee how often they would like to attend and what time they would want the meetings to take place.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.