Agenda item

The Chair welcomed James Thomas, Head of Performance and Business Intelligence from the Doncaster Children’s Trust and Peter Featherstone, Business Manager, Learning and Opportunities at Doncaster Council to the meeting to provide an overview of the Quarterly Performance and Progress against OfSTED Action Plan Trust Update Report and the Annual Report of the Doncaster Children’s Services Trust.

Members were informed that at the end of Quarter 3 there were two inter-related financial measures remaining outside tolerance, both relating to forecast expenditure against budget and one measure relating to the social care pathway for Children in Need which was in reference to monthly case file audits rated as “required improvement” or better which was reported as off target.

The group discussed the following areas:

Re-referrals – It was reported that this was on target and that the performance of this should show an improvement was the national average data is obtained.  It was agreed that a session should be made available to the Panel to help them understand measures and when data is issued.

Child Protection Visits within Timescale – It was explained to Members that there had been a decline in the reported figure to 93%; this was because the measure had been subject to a monthly flux.   It was explained that there was an aim to see all children within 2 calendar weeks and some had been missed by a day or two.

Children on CPP for more than 2 years – The question were raised about how long a child should remain within protection.  Members were informed that contract targets were reviewed annually.

LAC Stability – 3 placement changes in one year – Members were informed that there were 2 cohorts within this measure which included; 1. Younger Children experiencing up to 5 quick placement changes and 2. Older and more troubled teenagers – experiencing multiple placement breakdowns.  Members were reminded of the higher costs associated with specialist care for outside of authority residential placements.  Members were informed that there was an ambition to repatriate childcare where appropriate and it was acknowledged that it was a difficult balancing act.  Members acknowledged that our own children’s homes were now good.  Officers considered it as a challenging situation placed on the Children’s Trust and one that was under constant attention including through monthly finance meetings.

The Panel’s Co-optee offered that his own school placements were always made with school and undertaken when appropriate.  It was supported that one long term placement might be ideal but it was better for the child to be in the right placement for the right reasons.

Percentage of Frontline FTE posts covered by Agency Staff - Members were informed that successful work had been undertaken to convert agency to permanent staff.  Members were told that agency staff had reduced and that confidence in Doncaster as an authority had improved but some authorities were paying premium salaries which were making the market more competitive to be able to attract and retain staff.  It was added that it was a challenge for the trust but that staff stability was developing in different ways. 

Regarding staff satisfaction, Members raised concern that that there had been 5 cases of live grievances (including Bullying and Harassment) during the last three quarters.  Members were informed that the Department of Education had undertaken a separate study group to assess the journey of what it was like now at the trust compared to before.  It was reported that this study had provided an independent assurance that staff had a high level of satisfaction and were highly motivated.  Members were also informed that there were many initiatives being undertaken including work with University Sheffield and Step Up (the largest regional partnership in Yorkshire).  Members were also informed that a robust approach was being undertaken to improve the quality of social workers.  Members were also reminded that rises in sickness were often during the winter months.  Reference was made to the 17 cases of live “Conduct/Capability/Suspensions” (that included 16 cases relating to sickness).  Members were assured that processes were in place and cases were considered by Human Resources and a sub-group of the Board.  It was clarified that sickness was a mix of chronic and surgery related sickness and support was being provided where necessary.

Monthly case file audits rates as “requires improvement” or better (Off Target) – Members were informed that there was a strategy improving the utilisation of what is in place within the trust.  Members were informed that audit files had recently been revisited with appropriate challenges and judgements made and training provided where necessary.  Members were informed that some of the issues were around the level of detail recorded within the case files.  It was noted that the level of standards set by the trust were higher than those set by Ofsted.

Annual Report - Regarding the annual report, Members were informed that it was a requirement for this to be submitted to the Secretary of State.  It was explained that the report highlights progress and changes made to the agreement between Parties.

The Panel discussed the following;

Areas of Joint Focus – Members raised concern about the “proportion of children looked after who attend a school that is good or better is too low at 63%”.  The Panel was informed that the education offer was to provide Children in Care placements where they leave with consideration taking into account the standard of schools.  It was recognised that there was a need to improve standards of schools within the Borough, although it was recognised that the school itself might be good for that particular child.

Members were reminded of Ofsted publishing their report on the inspection of services for children in need of help and protection; children looked after and care leavers on the 27th November 2015. It was noted that the report contained 20 recommendations based on findings from the inspection.