Agenda and minutes

Councillors Sue McGuinness, Andrea Robinson and Mark Houlbrook

None

There were no declarations of interest made.

The minutes of the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny meeting held on the 11^th July 2016 was agreed as a true record.

(A period not exceeding 20 minutes for statements from up to 5 members of the public on matters within the Panel’s remit, proposing action(s) which may be considered or contribute towards the future development of the Panel’s work programme).

There were no public statements made.

Members were reminded that the Panel at its July meeting had agreed to a revised approach to the performance monitoring of the Doncaster Children’s Trust. The report to the Panel now aligned more closely with the contract requirements and was presented via a ‘split screen’ approach.  The report provided a review and analysis of the performance challenge carried out by the Director of Learning and Opportunities of the Trust’s performance in Quarter 1 of 2016/17 arising from challenge meetings held between both parties.

The following performance indicators were raised as part of the discussion: -

B13: Care leavers in EET

Q1 = 39.3% July = 35% Target: 45% Tolerance: 40%

It was noted that this figure had reduced by just over 4% as of July 2016 to reach 35%.  In relation to how the Council was working with the Trust to manage stakeholder engagement, it was acknowledged that this was a challenging target and recognised that many authorities struggled to optimise performance in respect of this particular vulnerable cohort.  Members were informed that this was included as an improvement action within the Ofsted action plan.  It was shared that the Council was working with the Trust to support this cohort to make sure that this group of young people were being supported to prepare them for employment.  It was explained that efforts were being targeted and that the Trust had several programmes in place.

It was also clarified that this area had also been recognised as an area for improvement by the Education Commission.  The Panel was informed that changes to funding of apprenticeships in terms of levy will affect the market and potential opportunities.  It was noted that the Council was looking at its response to those changes and in time will be seen how resources can be pooled. 

A Member stated that these clients needed to be moved forward, possibly by making traineeships more attractive, through some kind of financial incentive or by accredited training being made available.  It was explained that this area required more work to be done across the wider needs and through a progression pathway.

It was commented by the Trust that the trend in performance had stemmed from a low base and that work was being undertaken to move some individuals quickly through an employment route.  It was explained that individuals such as those in early stages of parenthood, who were pregnant or had a disability were supported in other suitable ways, for example, through part-time employment or looking at additional opportunities. Reference was made to the challenges of supporting those to remain on courses which would require a longer lead-in time.

Members were reminded of issues associated with an inadequate historical care system, now considered to be improving.  The Trust felt that there were contributing factors outside the care system.

A3 Case File Audits rated as Requires Improvement or better

Q1 = 82% July = 90% Target: 95% Tolerance: 90%

Concern was raised that there was a high proportion of case files  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

Members were presented with an overview of the outcomes from two recent external evaluations.  These included the Local Government Association (LGA) Peer Review carried out in July 2016, this looked into how the Trust was keeping children safe and its progress made following its Ofsted inspection last October.  Secondly, an update was provided regarding the Ofsted Monitoring Visit that was conducted in August over 2 days.  The Director of Learning and Opportunities reported that Ofsted and LGA gave reassurances as to improvement in the progress made to improve services for children and young people in need of help an protection, most importantly, no evidence was found of children being left at risk of significant harm.

Members were informed by the Trust how both reviews had looked at effectiveness of the social work practice   The issue remained that there was too much demand at the front door with a significant number of referrals for Information, Advice and Guidance, and Members were informed that front door arrangements had been strengthened

One of the major challenges reported to the success of the Trust was that the LGA were not convinced of the shared ownership or shared investment from key partners to provide Early Help.  Members were informed that there had been significant developments have been made in relation to the quality of available data within Early Help, but wider ownership and engagement by partners is key to further improvement.  Members were informed by the Director of Learning and Opportunities about the role of the Performance Accountability Board (PAB) which had been meeting since last autumn, demonstrating the commitment at the top of the key organisations involved to work on cross-cutting issues to achieve change and improvement.  It was explained that the PAB held to account partner agencies across the children’s system and challenge was provided on what partners were doing to address pressures as to the social care and safeguarding within their own organisations.  It was also stated that in order to ensure that demand for services is appropriately managed across the children’s system there needs to be a better and shared understanding by partner agencies around thresholds and the pathways for services across the early help and statutory spectrum.  It was further reported that improvements need to be made to the social care IT system, but the Trust is aware of these issues and has a rigorous programme to address them.

Members learnt that at the point that Ofsted conducted their monitoring visit there has been a recent reduction in contacts and assessments since the introduction of the ‘Early Help Hub’, and a further reduction since the implementation of the ‘Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub’ (MASH). It was recognised that whilst there had been a consistent reduction in re-referrals since the establishment of the Trust, further work needed to be undertaken with partners.

Early Help Achieving for Children

In response to concerns around lack of partner understanding, Members were informed that, as part of the delivery responsibilities by the Council regarding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

Members received a report outlining that all local areas in England will be inspected during the five year period which commenced in May 2016.  It explained that inspections provide an independent external evaluation of how well a local area carries out its statutory duties in relation to children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) in order to support their development.

The report explained that three key questions were focused on during the inspection week:

·         Question A: How effectively does the local area identify children and young people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities?

·         Question B: How effectively does the local area assess and meet the needs of children and young people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities?

·         Question C: How effectively does the local area improve outcomes for children and young people who have special educational needs and/or disabilities?

Members were told that in terms of preparation monthly meetings took place and information was gathered from reports as soon as they were made available. In order to ensure that everything was being covered where possible, it was explained that a comprehensive self-evaluation was carried out based on a self-evaluation framework based upon previous OFSTED Inspections.  This information will provide an indication of the areas that the Council excel in as well as weaker areas.  For those weaker areas identified there will be plans put in place and evidence provided of the extensive work in order to improve these outcomes for health partners and the Local Authority.

In respect of the number of Children in Care (CIC) in schools it was explained that these have the same opportunities as other children in schools for selection process.

RESOLVED THAT: The Panel notes the report.

The Panel received a report providing information about the 2016 educational outcomes of children and young people aged 5, 7, 11 and 16.

Members were informed that during the last couple of years, work had been undertaken with a national consortium and exam results were now received on the day with the information later being sent to schools with further provisional analysis being undertaken. It was clarified that there were stronger links to DFE, other authorities and improved systems. 

It was recognised that there was a popular belief that the Council was unable to make comment or provide appropriate challenge with academies.  Members were told how duties sat with the Regional Schools Commissioner who had a duty to identify coasting schools.  The Panel was told how the Director of Learning and Opportunities had met with the Commissioner with a challenge that they would undertake their role, as the Council would undertake theirs.  It was added that Heads and Chairs of Academies had been alerted where they were falling short compared to maintained schools.  Members were informed that there was the intention to rebroker or approve failing schools or those not meeting required standards.  Members were reminded that the Council has a statutory responsibility for the outcomes of all children. 

It was questioned whether a separate session was needed to consider the information on a separate occasion.  It was clarified that the information would be brought back to the Panel once validated and that care needs to be taken so that overview and scrutiny does not duplicate the role of governing body and teachers.  Members were informed that a Member workshop could be delivered about scrutinising education results.  The Panel was informed that an information pack had been developed providing guidance on how to challenge Headteachers.

It was commented that historically the relationship between the Council and schools had varied and changed over two parliaments and that the Council still retains a school improvement function which may change.  It was commented that it was appropriate for overview and scrutiny to hold the Council to account in how that was being done.  Members were informed that there would be an Ofsted HMI visit over the summer with the purpose of the review to inspect post Ofsted action plan which was signed off.

2016 results have reaffirmed the need to place additional focus on reading through the Key stage 2 Raising Achievement Initiative.

Action: Subject to Members interest that a workshop around KS2 be arranged around changes in methodology

It was commented that KS4 figures expressed disappointment, that 3% achieving 5+ A* to C Including English and Mathematics equates to one child.  It was commented that it would be helpful to have a deeper diver to look at what sits beneath that.  It was added that 50% which formed the greater majority achieved D and below.

Action: For the Panel to receive more detail at a future meeting.

There was a brief discussion about governance arrangements around the importance of Looked after  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

The Panel considered the work plan for the 2016/17 year.  The Senior Governance Officer reminded Members of the Mental Health joint meeting with the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel on 25th January, and the Chair encouraged Panel Members to attend.

The Chair informed the Panel that further to meeting with Officers with a view to strengthening the Panels link with the Youth Council, it was proposed that the Panel could either invite the Youth Council to attend (provided that the meeting was later in the day to accommodate school hours or that it be held within half term) or alternatively, the Panel maybe be to attend a future Youth Council Meeting. 

Action:  To rearrange the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny February meeting to the half-term week that month, so that members of the Youth Council could be invited.

Reference was made to the ETE Opportunities which would involve the Panels Members.

It was also noted that there would be a 3^rd Ofsted inspection at the end of February/March 2017 and would be useful to ensure that there is scrutiny oversight of that report.

RESOLVED: That report be noted.