Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs H N J Powell and L Wootten.

The Chief Executive reported that having received notice under Regulation 13 of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990, he had appointed Councillor Mrs C A Talbot as a replacement member on the Committee in place of Councillor L Wootten for this meeting only.

It was noted that apologies were also received from Added Members Mr P Thompson and Mr C V Miller.

There were no declarations of interest at this point in the meeting.

RESOLVED

            That the minutes of the meeting held on 5 June 2015 be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

(To receive a report which provides the Committee with information in relation to the Monks' Dyke Tennyson College Options)

Consideration was given to a report which informed members of the proposal from the Governing Body of Monks' Dyke Tennyson College (MDTC) to close the Mablethorpe site and consolidate provision on the Louth site.  It provided information about the statutory process and the role of the Local Authority as decision maker regarding the proposal of the Governing Body to close the Mablethorpe site.  The report also explored options for the provision of future secondary education in Mablethorpe and informed Members that at the direction of the Department for Education (DfE) MDTC was also proposed to become a sponsored academy in response to the need to raise academic standards.

Members were advised that the option to do nothing was not available as the governors had voted to close the site.  There were 16 options which had been put forward, however there were only two of those options where the County Council could be involved.

The Chairman reported that a small group of councillors had met with the Head Teacher and visited the school, and so invited them to share their experience with the rest of the Committee, and some of the comments made included the following:

·         Members were impressed by the standard of commitment from the teachers;

·         There were concerns regarding the difficulties that the children had coping with changes which made members nervous about the proposal to close the school and what would happen to the children and how they would cope with the change of location;

·         One of the main concerns was regarding the amount of time that children would need to travel from Mablethorpe to Louth.

The Chairman informed the Committee that a local councillor for Mablethorpe, Councillor T Howard, had requested to speak to the Committee regarding the proposed closure of Monks Dyke Technology College site in Mablethorpe.  Some of the comments made to the Committee included the following:

·         It was believed there should be secondary education provision in Mablethorpe;

·         It was reported that the decision by the governors to close the school had not been unanimous;

·         The Committee was asked to consider the effect that travelling from Mablethorpe to Louth would have on young people;

·         The effect on primary school children who currently had the option to go to a secondary school in their neighbourhood;

·         Mablethorpe was the largest community on the north of the Lincolnshire coast;

·         It was queried what message this would send out in terms of economic development if there was no secondary provision in the town;

·         The effect on parents with more than one child;

·         There were only two parents in Mablethorpe that had elected to send their children to Cordeaux School;

·         There had been a lot of uncertainty about the future of this school for a significant period of time;

·         The school was a hub for the whole community with a number of local events centred around the school;

·         There was a need for stability for this school in the future.

Members of the Committee were provided  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

(To receive a report which outlines the new performance measures to be introduced in 2016 for all secondary schools and its potential impact on Lincolnshire School)

Consideration was given to the new performance measures to be introduced in 2016 for all secondary schools and its potential impact on Lincolnshire schools.

It was reported that the principal indicator used by central government and by the media to judge the performance of an individual mainstream secondary school or academy was the percentage of pupils attaining five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C including English and Maths (5ACEM), which was an "attainment" measure.  It was noted that the 5ACEM measure took no account of the ability of the students taking the examinations or of their prior attainment when they entered a school.  Schools that fell below 40% 5ACEM were considered to be below the national 'floor standard' for this measurement.  It was also noted that this measure also concentrated on just 5 subject areas rather than attainment across a broader range of subjects judged to be important for a rounded education.

Members were advised that in 2016 the principal measure, and only floor standard, would change to a "progress" measure which would span 8 subjects rather than 5, which would be called "Progress 8".  The new measure would also recognise the importance of English and Maths above all subjects and these subjects would have double weighting in the calculations.  There would also be an "attainment" measure which would be called "Attainment 8" but the Floor Standard would be based on the Progress measure spanning the same eight subjects (Progress 8).  From 2016 onwards, mainstream schools would be deemed to be below the floor standard if their Progress 8 score fell below -0.5.

It was also reported that in 2017 a new grading system would be introduced that would use grades 1 to 9 rather than G to A*.  The current grade C was expected to correspond to a numerical grade of 4, but grade 9 would be reserved for the highest scoring 3% of students nationally.  However, grade 5 would be the 'Gold Standard' threshold and equivalent to a current grade C expectation.

The Committee received a presentation which explained "attainment 8" and "progress 8" in more detail and members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions to the officers in relation to the information contained within the report, and some of the points raised during discussion included the following:

·         This measure would not show the attainment for those children who did not have good academic ability;

·         There was a need to return to teaching children practical skills;

·         It was noted that the range of vocational qualifications had been slimmed down, and these would have to go in the third 'bucket', and a maximum of three could be included in the "Progress 8" score;

·         It was commented that the new measure was discriminatory towards those that wanted to study vocational subjects;

·         There would be a need for schools to respond to this agenda, if they did not, they would be deemed to have failed.  This would be the indicator by which schools would be judged in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

(To receive a report which presents the Neglect Strategy which has been developed by the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and its partners)

Consideration was given to a report which presented the Neglect Strategy which had been developed by the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and its partners.

Members were advised that following on from the publication by Ofsted of 'In the child's time', it was recognised that all Local Safeguarding Boards should have a neglect strategy to monitor, address and co-ordinate awareness of, and the response to, the signs and symptoms of neglect.

It was reported that neglect was the most common reason for a child in the UK to be the subject of a Child Protection Plan.  It happened when parents or carers could not, or would not, meet a child's needs.  Sometimes this was because they did not have the skills or support needed, and sometimes it was due to other problems (such as mental health issues, drug and alcohol problems, or poverty).

The strategic objectives for Lincolnshire's LSCB in relation to neglect were explained to the Committee and were as follows:

1.    Promote a common awareness and understanding in Lincolnshire of what neglect means and the effects upon children;

2.    Minimise the incidence of neglect for children and the repeat incidences of neglect for children;

3.    Ensure the effectiveness of service provision.

Members were provided with the opportunity to ask questions to the officers present in relation to the information contained within the report and some of the points raised during discussion included the following:

·         It was found that in cases where children were suffering neglect, the parents often had additional needs, therefore this strategy would be going to the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) as well;

·         There was a lot of research underway nationally in relation to neglect;

·         There were concerns that there was a large number of referrals and re-referrals to children's services which cited neglect as a factor.  Members were advised that initially the authority had not got its early help strategy right, but this was now changing and officers were working more closely with families through Team Around the Child (TAC).  More up to date data should be available soon.  It was suggested that the LSCB's Early Help Audit could be brought to a future meeting of the Committee;

·         Attendance by partner agencies at case conferences remained a challenge and this was being monitored monthly.  The geography of the county remained an issue, and officers were looking at doing things more creatively and looking at whether other agencies could participate through the use of video technology;

·         The way that signs of safety was delivered and embedded in meetings had been restructured;

·         Most primary schools would have one or two children who arrive at school not toilet trained;

·         There was a much more sophisticated approach to managing neglect as it could be one single incident, but it was usually a number of smaller issues over a period of time.  Health visitors were key to spotting these signs as they were now going into households from the early age of the children;

·         Members were pleased to hear  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

(To receive a report which sets out the support services provided to children and young people, schools and colleges for Anti Bullying across Lincolnshire)

Consideration was given to a report which set out the support services provided to children and young people, schools and colleges for Anti-Bullying across Lincolnshire.

Members of the Committee were provided with the opportunity to ask questions to the officers present in relation to the information contained within the report and some of the points raised during discussion included the following:

·         There were concerns that cyberbullying was seen as the least common form of bullying.  However, it was noted that when it did happen it would be seen by more people and so would have a higher perceived impact on the target of the bullying;

·         It was noted that bullying never occurred in just one form;

·         Members were informed that there was an E-Safety Officer in the county who worked with the Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Board;

·         Members congratulated the officers for the work they had done, and commented they had seen some of it first hand, including work around cyber-bullying;

·         There was a need to teach children to use mobile phones responsibily, as they could be a valuable resource in school.  It was not thought that the solution was to ban children from taking their mobile phones into school;

·         It was commented that it was a really comprehensive report;

·         Concerns were also raised regarding playground bullying, as mid-day supervisors were not always around.  Members were advised that all staff in a school were invited to attend training including the catering staff, as this was suggested as best practice;

·         It was commented that one of the biggest causes of bullying was appearance, so it was important to teach children to not have the appearance of a victim by building up their confidence and self-esteem, for example by how they walk;

·         There was a lot of good work going on in schools to tackle bullying;

·         Both the target of the bullying and the person displaying the bullying behaviour would be worked with;

·         Schools were being skilled up so they could deal with each situation;

·         A toolkit for schools in relation to transgender was being created as the age range for identifying as transgender was lowering, and many schools were dealing with this complicated issue for the first time.

RESOLVED

            That the contents of the report and work plan be noted.

(To receive a report which provides an update on the work of the Corporate Parenting Panel and presents the draft minutes of the meeting held on 11 June 2015)

The Committee received a report from the Chairman of the Corporate Parenting Panel which provided an update on the work of the Corporate Parenting Panel.

It was reported that the Panel had received a verbal update on the Corporate Parenting Strategy where members were advised that nearly all the Looked After Children/Care Leaver representatives had been appointed.  The Chairman reported that all representatives had since been appointed, and training was being arranged, hopefully for September 2015.

The Panel had also received an update from the Virtual School where concerns were raised about a number of looked after children who were under five and not attending nursery.  Members felt that more work was needed to be done around this to increase attendance and had requested a report back to the Panel.  This would now go to the 10 December 2015 meeting due to the size of the September agenda.  The Panel also requested that a representative of the Birth to Five Service attend future meetings.

The Annual Report from Legal Services regarding children in care proceedings for 2014/15 was also discussed.  As noted in the minutes of the meeting on 11 June 2015, there were 198 care proceedings issued between April 2014 and March 2015.  Of these, 184 were for care orders and 14 were for supervision orders.  Lincolnshire was now fifth in the country, down from first last year, for meeting the average timescale of 26 weeks for getting a case through the legal system.  This was due to the issues outlined in the minutes around extending timescales for conducting assessments and a change to the Designated Family Judge.

The Committee was advised that the next meeting was scheduled for 10 September 2015 and the Panel would be considering the outcomes from the review on the Stability of Fostering Placements, the Leaving Care Service Annual Report from Barnado's and the revised Corporate  Parenting Strategy and Engagement Plan.

RESOLVED

            That the work of the Corporate Parenting Panel be noted.

(To receive a report which invites the Committee to consider a report on improving Employment and Skills in Lincolnshire's growing Business Sectors, and invites views on how all children and young people can be better prepared to meet future skills requirements)

Consideration was given to a report which invited the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee to consider a report on Improving Employment and Skills in Lincolnshire's Growing Business sectors and invited views on how all children and young people in Lincolnshire could be better prepared to meet future skills requirements, therefore securing better outcomes on leaving education and throughout their adult lives.  The outcomes of the discussions would inform the setting of the strategic priorities for post 16 education and training for 2016/17 which were due to be considered by the Committee in September 2015.

Members of the Committee were provided with the opportunity to ask questions to the officers present in relation to the information contained within the report and some of the points raised included the following:

·         One  member commented that she had attended the launch of a 'Get into Health' event on 9 July 2015, which aimed to encourage local young people to consider careers in health and social care;

·         There was a need for co-ordination throughout the county in relation to employment and skills;

·         It was commented that it seemed that many manual jobs had disappeared and there was more of a focus on education.  However, it was noted that these were being replaced with other types of job, but it was important that any skills gaps were reported by employers so that they could be addressed;

·         It was queried whether there was anything that could be done by the County Council to ensure that apprenticeships were completed.  One member highlighted concerns about whether the apprentices placed with Gelders would be able to complete their programme.  The 14-19 Commissioner agreed to look into this with Gelders and would let the Committee know the outcome;

·         Farming was an area where, both nationally and locally, it was hoped that more people could be encouraged into its community.  It was noted that it was no longer just about manual labour, and there was a whole variety of roles now available within this industry;

·         There would be some changes to the way that apprenticeships were funded, and employers would receive a significant financial reward when young people completed their apprenticeship, and it was hoped that this would act as an incentive for employers to offer apprenticeships;

·         There was very close working between the Greater Lincolnshire Employment and Skills Board and the Council's Economic Development team;

·         Employers would have a view on what skills they wanted at this time, whilst some would look to the future and some would not know;

·         The role of SME's (small to medium sized enterprises) was considered important by the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP) as they were a significant source of employment in Lincolnshire;

·         The need for skills which could help with housing growth was highlighted.

RESOLVED

            That the report be noted.

(To receive a report which sets out the action plan which has been developed to address the areas for improvement identified in the Ofsted inspection of services for children in need of help and protection, children looked after and care leavers which took place in 2014)

Consideration was given to a report which set out the action plan which had been developed to address the areas for improvement identified in the Ofsted inspection of services for children in need of help and protection, children looked after and care leavers, which took place in 2014.

It was reported that the inspection of services for children in need of help and protection, children looked after and care leavers took place between 22 October and 12 November 2014.  The action plan was developed as a result of the areas of service that were identified for improvements, and the actions had been integrated into the Children's Services Improvement Plan which reported on a quarterly basis to the Children's Services Departmental Management Team (DMT).  The plan was last reviewed in June and identified progress made towards the completion of each of the action point, and it was noted that plan would be reviewed again in September 2015.

Members of the Committee were guided through the action plan and the following was noted:

·         Action 1 – The use of B & B accommodation for homeless 16 and 17 year olds had now ceased;

·         Action 2 – this had been completed recently and would be going forward to DMT for sign off;

·         Action 3 – a lot work had been undertaken, but there was still a lot to do;

·         Action 4 – the first update would be presented to the Corporate Parenting Panel in September;

·         Action 5 – the review was ongoing, and had so far been very well received by young people;

·         Action 6 – the LSCB had put on additional training ;

It was queried whether the implementation of Mosaic was now on track, and it was reported that the timeline for implementation had been reprofiled, and the system was due to go live in October 2015.   Once this system was embedded it would be a great improvement, and those staff who had already had sight of the system welcomed it.

RESOLVED

            That the Committee note the progress made within the Action Plan and considered the actions identified.

(To receive a report which provides the Committee with an opportunity to consider its work programme for the forthcoming year)

Consideration was given to a report which enabled the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee to consider its own work programme for the coming year.

During consideration of the work programme, the following was noted:

·         The Early Help Audit would be brought to a future meeting;

·         It was hoped that the first meeting of the Grammar School Transport Task and Finish Group would be held in September 2015.

It was also noted that Councillor R Oxby submitted his apologies for the next meeting which was due to be held on 11 September 2015.

RESOLVED

            That the content of the work programme be noted.