Agenda item

The Chair welcomed Councillor Nuala Fennelly, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, James Thomas, Julie Mepham and Clare Rosser to the meeting.

Members asked how Doncaster Children’s Services Trust (DCST) worked to ensure children are at the centre of its service. It was reported that the views of young people are integrated into the service at a number of levels. Young Advisers who have had experience of the care system who understand the organisation and the experience of care are engaged and their views sought prior to any changes to policy and practice. The voice of young people is built into business planning and DCST is currently looking at co-opting a young person on to the Trust Board. The Children in Care Council is consulted prior to any changes to practices to ensure evidence of a child’s lived experience is taken into account.

The Committee enquired how effectively local safeguarding arrangements were meeting the needs of young people in Doncaster. It was reported that these were demonstrated through a robust quality assurance system, appropriate performance indicators, effective workforce development from a committed workforce and by strong advocates on safeguarding within senior leadership. The Trust has developed a strong role amongst partners but is also working to ensure safeguarding partners further develop their role to support overall improvements.

The Committee sought assurance that the well-being of children was not impacted detrimentally due to a focus on targets and processes. It was reported that DCST chose a range of qualitative and quantitive measures to assess their performance. The current suite of indicators and targets were benchmarked and included stretch targets to ensure there was an aspiration to improve further. It was further reported that this was the first full quarter report following the change in management structure of the Trust to an ALMO. Performance and contract monitoring arrangements would further develop over time.

The Committee asked about the effectiveness of the Parent and Family Support Service (PFSS) and was informed that once engaged with clients, the service developed positive relationships. There was a focus on achieving a consistent approach, building a positive relationship and assessing each family on its own particular needs. Where parents had previously been involved with a statutory service or previously had a negative experience, time was taken to build a positive relationship. Parents were advised of the risks and potential consequences of not engaging early with the service.

Members also discussed the DCST’s relationship with schools and whether they provided a consistent approach in supporting young people. It was reported that a consistent approach was identified through the early help strategy and a recognised protocol for identifying early thresholds.

Members enquired about the support available to unaccompanied children arriving in the Borough as asylum seekers. It was reported that the offer provided takes account of cultural and religious issues and helps to identify any specific needs or requirements including any health issues. The Committee was also advised that DCST was part of the Council’s EU departure Group and had plans in place to identify any specific risks that may arise from this, including areas where there may be community tensions or where families may not understand the impact of the change on their residency.

In response to a question regarding partnership working, it was the Trust that had a key role in embedding toolkits and encouraging better risk analysis and assessments with partners. Members were informed there was a consistent approach to agreeing thresholds but there was a mixed picture in terms of how school’s supported children through the process. Initiatives were in place to work closely with school’s by raising concerns and identifying support measures. It was reported that the Domestic Abuse Team currently worked with schools and teachers to enhance their skills and improve awareness of this issue.

Members enquired how out of authority placements were being effectively managed. It was reported that whilst the safety of children was paramount this was a key budget risk. There was a monthly meeting to review children in care and to identify those that could come back to the Borough. Moving forward the Council would be developing a future placement strategy including identification of smaller two bedded children’s homes to develop a more family based model and reintegrate young people with complex needs.

The Chaired thanked the officers for their attendance.

RESOLVED that the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee receive the report and the contribution that the Trust makes to support the Council’s strategic priorities.