Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Nigel Ball and Sue McGuinness.

None.

There were no declarations of interest made.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel held on the 27^th September 2016, be approved as a true record and signed by the Chair.

(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.

The Panel received a report that set out the findings and recommendations of the Independent Commission on Education and Skills in Doncaster, published on the 21^st October 2016.  The report outlined the process of consultation and the timeline for the Team Doncaster response. 

Members were informed that consultation seeking feedback to the report had taken place over a two month period.  As part of that timeline the follow had taken place:

1.    Engagement with young people via a meeting with the Youth Council and wider groups.

2.    Feedback received from Headteachers.

3.    Online survey undertaken via the Team Doncaster, Council websites and Social Media.

The Panel fed into the Councils response by taking into consideration 30 recommendations made as part of 7 characteristics of a successful Education and Skills System for Doncaster.

Recommendation 1 - Establish an Education and Skills Board

A Member enquired whether there was anything in place that could be signed up to which may secure partners commitment.  In response, it was commented that Team Doncaster would be expected to play their part and that any partner’s commitment would be distinguished through the consultation process where a consensus would needed to be agreed.  Members were informed that the resources and support needed would have to be identified.  Members were assured that there was faith in the role of the board and it may be useful to learn what the board has achieved in about 18 months. 

It was recognised that positive work had been achieved for Doncaster by the Sheffield City Region and acknowledged that there were a number of major projects which may provide the opportunity for educational projects to be taken forward.

It was noted that the Education Improvement Board’s action plan had been signed off during Summer 2016.  It was continued that there wasn’t a great deal of new resources for the programme, which meant better joining up of existing resources was required.  It was commented that a pathway into new jobs required improved collaborations.

It was added that the Council welcomed partner’s involvement from the voluntary and communities sector as without this, it would not be possible to be successful about the whole child.

Members were informed that Team Doncaster was looking at what was currently in place in order to assess what supported was needed.

Recommendations 3 and 4 – Guaranteed experiences for all young people and the Doncaster Diploma

Members briefly reflected on what it used to be like to be a child compared to being one today.  It was felt that there was reluctance for children to go out and that they had less freedom.  It was recognised that things had changed significantly and the challenge would be how that difference could be addressed.

A Member felt that in terms of activities and experiences for young people, there was a great deal to be offered by organisations such as the Guides and Scouts.  It was added that such establishments may need financial support in order to develop. Reference  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

Members were presented with a report that outlined three aspects of the work of the Doncaster Safeguarding Children Board which included;

A.    The arrangements for its consideration of the Doncaster Safeguarding Children Board Annual Report.

B.    The Independent Chair of Doncaster Safeguarding Children Board (DSCB) Doncaster – update on ten key CSE assurance questions

C.   An outline of the functions of the Performance Accountability Board.

Members were informed that the Doncaster Safeguarding Children Board Annual Report provided an update on the progress of the board and an overview of the effectiveness of each partner agency arrangements.  The following key points were provided;

·         That there had been good progress on the Business Plan which had built on Ofsted 2015.

·         That partner agencies were more aware and critical of their strengths.

·         That key areas of agencies were cross cutting and that safeguarding themes included domestic abuse, child sexual exploitation and participating in early help.

·         Evidence from reviews including Ofsted show an improved picture of the quality early help, but challenges still existed in this area.

Members were provided with an outline of the role and functions of the Performance Accountability Board, a new partnership board that met on a quarterly basis focussing on key issues for the partnership.

Concern was raised that of the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), that Doncaster was the 4th most deprived area in the Yorkshire and Humberside region.  It was explained that when looking at performance data consideration was given to the national and regional data and also other local authorities of similar size and demographic (known as comparator authorities). 

In relation to safeguarding issues of school aged children, it was reported that there were more children missing from education at primary and secondary school in Doncaster than compared with regional and national averages.  It was responded that there were occasions when children were categorised as missing from school because the school had not been informed they were leaving and had not been taken off the role.  In addition, some were identified as missing when they have been off the site for an extended period.  It was noted that a report had been previously provided to CYPOSP which described the work being undertaken with children identified as missing.  Members were informed that the Preventing Vulnerable People Group had broadened its remit to include children missing from education to ensure that this issue was more fully understood.

Members were told that the attendance and commitment of partners had been good at board level but that there had been a low attendance from agencies, where there was only one representative from that agency or where an agency represented a number of Boards in the region.  It was clarified that substitutes were not always possible.  Members were reassured that the overall business process is strong.

The report outlined a number of areas being undertaken in relation to mental health.  Members were informed about the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Local Transformation Plan which was expected to address the issues identified.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

The Panel was presented with a report outlining the Performance Challenge of the Doncaster Children's Trust; Quarter 2, 2016/17.  Members were reminded about the monitoring and challenge arrangements of the Trust and that the report provided a review and analysis of the Performance Challenge carried out Trust.  

Members were told how in October 2016, the second of the Ofsted monitoring visits had taken place with a focus on the quality and effectiveness of plans for children in need of help and protection.

It was reported that there were 2 performance indicators below tolerance, of which one was A2 – Timeliness of single assessment.

It was reported that timeliness performance has continued to decline and had been below target and tolerance for the past 3 quarters.  It was noted that this had been allocated a high target and a push towards achieving it.  It was questioned what percentage of agency staff used should be cause for concern.  It was added that steps had been taken by the Trust to improve this indicator and added that there was a core of long serving agency staff that brought consistency to the service. Officers were confident that children would have up-to-date cases; however, with performance at 82%, this puts Doncaster high on the scale.

It was recognised that information presented from the report and Ofsted did not present a promising picture.   It was acknowledged that it was important for the Council to understand its position before it reached the next Ofsted inspection.  It was also recognised that some of the targets were set high and it was therefore good to achieve them.

In respect of whether the Trust was headed in the right direction, Members were informed that this would not happen without an improvement on the management side although recognition was given to good quality appointments that had been made.  Members were reminded that all staff had undergone appropriate learning and development around the practice improvement programme. 

Concern was also raised that the affordability and sustainability focus of the arrangements were of joint concern and Members were informed that OSMC will have sight of a financial recovery plan.  It was added that it was in the mutual interest of both the Council and the Trust to improve standards and quality.

RESOLVED that the Panel note and evaluate the headline performance information and the resultant analysis.

The purpose of the report was to provide Members with an update and overview on the work of the Children in Care Virtual School.

An outline was provided to Members about the purpose and scope of the review.  It was explained how it would hold to account the Council and Councillors on the progress of Looked After Children and Pupil Premium taking into consideration how money is spent against specific needs.  Members were informed how the review would look at parts of system and make sure that Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) was focused on Education Outcomes.

Members were informed that there had been positive findings, in particular, regarding leadership and challenge brought to schools as well as progress made with the consistency of Personal Education Plans (PEPS).  Reference was made that the strategic oversight needs to be clearer.

Members were told that there was recognition that the progress made by the Children in Care Virtual School needed to be undertaken under direct line of sight and that an action plan will be developed.

Members of the Panel requested that the information is published on website and circulated to Members.

RESOLVED that the Panel note the information presented.

The Chair requested that in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 26.1, Council Procedure Rule 13.7.2 that this item be deferred to the next meeting.