Agenda item

To submit a report by the Head of Children’s Services.

The report of the Head of Children and Families’ Services documenting progress to date against the Service Improvement Plan was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

The Chair and Portfolio Member for Social Services reported that moving forward it has been agreed to close down the current Service Improvement Plan (SIP) and to produce a Service Development Plan for 2019-22. This will incorporate the two amber areas that have not been fully completed from the SIP along with the 14 areas for development identified the CIW’s re-inspection report of December, 2018. In addition, the Service will also be taking the steps described in the report in relation to promoting looked after children and young people’s participation; reviewing policy and quality assurance; continuing to hold Laming visits and strengthening relationships and joint-working arrangements.

The Head of Children and Families’ Services said that work is progressing apace on developing Small Group Homes and the new Foster Carers’ package both of which are designed to increase placement choice. The Foster Carers’ package which offers enhanced benefits to the Authority’s Foster Carers is currently being marketed with the changes coming into effect in April, 2019.

Councillor Dylan Rees reported from the Corporate Scrutiny Committee’s meeting of the 19 March, 2019 at which the Children and Families’ Services Progress report was discussed. The Committee in noting the replacement of the Service Improvement Plan with a 3 year Service Development Plan acknowledged the significant progress made during the lifetime of the SIP noting also that the momentum of improvement needs to be sustained over the course of the Service Development Plan. The Committee further noted the developments with regard to Small Group Homes and the Foster Carers package, and with Tuesday 19 March being designated World Social Work day, the Committee’s Members expressed their gratitude to the Authority’s Social Workers for their efforts and commitment in what can often be a challenging environment. The Committee confirmed that it was satisfied with the steps taken to progress implementation of the Service Improvement Plan and the pace of progress with this and with implementing improvements within Children’s Services, and that it was satisfied also for the Service to move forwards with a new Service Development Plan.

The Executive in noting that bringing the Service Improvement Plan to a close marks the end of a significant phase for Children’s Services at the Council, acknowledged the improvements achieved during this period and the work of the Service’s staff in making that possible. The Executive noted further that the progress made over the course of the SIP provides a sound foundation for taking the Service Development Plan forwards thereby maintaining the process of improvement into the future.

It was resolved to confirm –

•           That the Executive is satisfied with the steps taken to progress implementation of the Service Improvement Plan and the pace of progress, and that it is also satisfied for the Service to move forward with a new Service Development Plan that will replace the current Service Improvement Plan.

•           That the Executive is satisfied with the pace of progress and improvements made to date within Children and Families’ Services.