Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor R Trollope-Bellew and Polly Coombes (Foster Carer).

Councillor M A Whittington wished it to be noted that he had an adopted son who was in receipt of services from Barnardo's.

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the Corporate Parenting Panel meeting held on 19 September 2019 be agreed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record, subject to Councillor R L Foulkes being added to the list of Lincolnshire County Councillors in attendance.

The Chairman extended thanks to officers from the Participation Team for their efforts in raising the profile of the V4C further, with the development of a programme of activities; exploring the use of alternative venues; and increasing attendance at V4C meetings with particular reference being made to the increased participation within the East Lindsey Quadrant.

The Chairman also referred to the success of the recent 'Big Conversation' event; and the feedback received from the young people in attendance, with regard to officer's improving the language used by the service, when referring to young people.  The Panel was advised that work had commenced looking at alternative language.

The Interim Director of Children's Services highlighted to the Panel that Children's Services had undergone a LGA Peer Review of the Early Years Strategy.  The Panel was advised that comments received from the review had been very positive; some of the comments received had included that staff were highly motivated; that there was impressive integrated working arrangements, particular reference being made to the maternity hubs and the services intention to strengthen the early year's offer; by improving early year's intervention from antenatal to school readiness (0 to 6).

The Panel extended thanks to staff in Children's Services for all their hard work and dedication.

The Panel was advised that once available, the report from the peer review and an action plan would be shared with the Panel at a future meeting. 

(To receive a six monthly report from Carolyn Knight, Quality and Standards Manager, which provides the Corporate Parenting Panel with an overview of the Independent Reviewing Service for the period April to September 2019)

The Panel received a report from Carolyn Knight, Quality and Standards Manager, which provided an overview of the Independent Reviewing Service for the period April to September 2019.

Attached to the report at Appendix A, was a copy the Independent Chair's Service Six Monthly report. 

The report presented provided evidence relating to the Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs) services in Lincolnshire, as required by statutory guidance.  It was noted that due to the core business of the team, the report also included child protection, short breaks and Regulation 44.

The Panel received an update on the priorities for 2019/20.  It was highlighted that Signs of Safety was being further embedded across the service with the provision of family network meetings, safety plans and wherever possible making sure that parents were well informed.  The Panel noted that more restorative practice was being undertaken.  It was noted further that Life Links was a new strand of work being offered through the Family Group Conference Service for Looked After Children over the age of 15; and Care Leavers to enable them to develop a life time of support from the people they choose. 

It was reported that mental health was being focused on more, as part of Looked After Children Reviews; and that all IRO's would be undertaking the LSCP mental health course.  It was highlighted that the aim was for all Independent Chairs to have completed the mental health training by 31 March 2020. 

Further information relating to the Priorities for 2019/20 was detailed on pages 18 to 22 of the report.

It was reported that the Chairs continued to focus on checking the availability and quality of Plans and to escalate if they were missing details or were not up to date.  It was noted a Care Plan/Chairs report had been launched at the beginning of April 2019, as a cooperative system workflow between social work and the IRO team.  It was noted further there had been improvements as a result of this, but it was still work in progress.

The Panel noted that the number of children subject to a Child Protection Plan had steadily increased between 1 April 2019 and 30 September 2019.  Details were provided on pages 38 to 40 of the report.  It was reported that 100% of child protection meetings were held within timescale. 

In conclusion, the Panel was advised that the last six months had seen continued progress in the development of the service.  The Panel was advised further that the priorities identified earlier in the year were all on track to be achieved by the end of March 2020.  The Panel noted that there had also been significant scrutiny and feedback by Ofsted in April 2019 and a Learning Day in October.  The Panel noted further that the feedback from both of these events had been extremely positive.

During discussion, the Panel raised the following points:-

·         Timelines for reviews – The Panel was advised that there were statutory guidelines as to the timing of reviews.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

(To receive a six monthly report from Carolyn Knight, Quality and Standards Manager, which provides the Corporate Parenting Panel with an overview of the Regulation 44 Independent Visiting Service for the period April to September 2019)

Consideration was given to a report from Carolyn Knight, Quality and Standards Manager, which provided the Panel with an overview of the Regulation 44 Independent Visiting Service for the period April to September 2019.

Attached at Appendix A was a copy of the 'Report for the Independent Visiting Service April 2019 to September 2019'.  The Panel noted that since April 2019, Regulation 44 visits had been undertaken by two Independent Reviewing Officers (Visitors).  It was noted further that monthly visits were made to each of the seven homes; and that there had been a launch of a new supported living scheme in Grantham and Gainsborough, which was also receiving support from the Independent Visiting Service, with four monthly visits.

In guiding the Panel through the report the Independent Chair advised that overall the homes provided good, and in some instances exceptional levels of care for the young people.  The Panel noted that there was an ethos of reflective practice and the sharing of learning across the whole team.  The Panel noted further that the use of Signs of Safety and Social Pedagogy Champions ensured that practices were continually updated and promoted

It was reported that across the service the homes were very good at promoting communication between staff and young people.  Details of the various methods adopted by the homes were shown on pages 49 and 50 of the report.

It was reported that staff teams had been resilient and had remained motivated even when staffing issues and management of young people had caused extra challenges.  The Panel was advised the staff and manager's commitment to providing good quality care to the young people was to be commended.

During discussion, the Panel raised the following points:-

·         One member enquired as to why the visits to the supported living schemes at Grantham and Gainsborough were four monthly.  The Panel was advised that following discussions with Ofsted, it was felt appropriate for the frequency to be four monthly.  The Panel noted that the supported living scheme had been nominated for an award;

·         Use of Bank Staff - The Panel was advised that the use of bank staff provided the flexibility required within the homes, to meet the needs of the children.  Confirmation was given that bank staff were the most cost effective option for the authority;

·         Sharing of Best Practice – Officers advised that practice was shared across the homes; however, Beacon and Albion Street had a number of challenges.  The Panel was advised that a management plan was now in place.  It was highlighted that Albion Street was currently not at full capacity, which was providing staff the opportunity to up skill to meet demand.  It was noted that mentoring and coaching was being provided from staff from other homes.  One member asked what effect changes to staffing had on the stability of the children.  Reassurance was given that the children were never compromised, members of staff always ensured that the care provided mirrored that received by a child in a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

(To receive a report from Janice Spencer OBE, Interim Director of Children's Services, which invites the Corporate Parenting Panel to consider and comment on the Looked After Children Performance Measures for Quarter 2 2019/20 for the period July to September 2019)

The Panel gave consideration to a report from Janice Spencer OBE, Interim Director of Children's Services, which provided key performance information for Quarter 2 2019/20, which was relevant to the work of the Corporate Parenting Panel.  It was reported that overall, performance for quarter 2 was positive, with only two targets being outside the target set by the services.  The two measures were:-

·         Fostering/Adoption of Looked After Children aged 10 to 16 year olds - The Panel was advised that performance had improved since the last quarter, but still remained under target.  It was noted that there had been an increase in the number of younger children in residential placements in the past year; and that these young children had very complex needs.  It was noted further that there had also been a focus on reunifying children with their birth families during the current year, and some of this group were awaiting revocation of their care orders;

·         Care Leavers, Employment or Training (EETR) – It was reported that there had been a reduction post September, which was common occurrence, as young people often had not found the right course for them; and that attendance fluctuated as young people changed their decisions.  It was highlighted that the situation was being monitored; and that lots of work was being undertaken to increase the number of employment readiness programmes.

Officers responded to questions raised, which included the following:-

·         Language – The Barnardo's representative reassured the Panel that staff were being trained regarding language changes and that whatever was agreed by the council would be mirrored by Barnardo's.  Some discussion was also had regarding the young people themselves and that they needed to be comfortable with any changes; and that the changes needed to be guided by the child;

·         One member enquired as to whether the KPI's were appropriate, as some targets were not being met.  The Panel was advised that there were factors as to why the targets had not been met; one of the most important factor was understanding the cohort of young children; as the service was well aware young people thrived better in a family environment, however, some young people because of the trauma they had experienced, a family was not always the right environment.  Officers agreed that the wording for the fostering/adoption of Looked After Children aged 10 to 16 year olds would be considered further;

·         One member enquired as to how many young people had started in full time education and then dropped out.  Officers agreed that it was very difficult to do comparisons as each individual situation was different;

·         Congratulations were extended to officers for having achieved 99.7 % of Looked After Children with a Personal Education Plan; and

·         A question was asked relating to the Care Leavers in Education, Employment and Training Performance Indicator (55.6%), and whether this indicator was measuring the right data.  The Panel was advised that this was a national indicator; and because of the nature of the indicator it was capturing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

(To receive a report from John Harris, Children's Services Manager, Regulated (North and Fostering), which provides the Corporate Parenting Panel with an overview of the Looked After Children Annual Report 2018/19)

The Panel gave consideration to a report from John Harris, Children's Services Manager, Regulated (North and Fostering), which provided an overview of the Looked After Children Annual report 2018/19.

The Panel noted that there had been a reduction in the number of Looked After Children and young people in 2018/19, which appeared to be a variance to national trends.  It was noted that for 2018/19, the development of the Future4me service was focusing on preventative work with older children; as there was a greater percentage of older looked after cohort; and that meeting their needs remained a significant challenge due to the complexity of behaviour and limited placement options.

Attached at Appendix A was a copy of the Looked After Children/Young People Annual report 2018/19 for the Panel to consider and comment on.

It was highlighted to the Panel that the report contained a full year of health data, which had provided a better understanding of the essential characteristics of looked after children/young people.  The Panel noted that in many areas, better than the national average was being met with regard to health needs of Looked After Children and young people; and that annual data during future years would enable comparative information to inform services and commissioning.

During discussion, the Panel raised the following points:-

·         Health Checks – It was reported that sometimes it was a struggle to get the initial health assessment check with a GP.  It was highlighted that this was a national issue.  As a result, working was on-going looking into this matter.  It was confirmed that there was not a problem with dental checks as these did not need to be completed within the 20 day period.  Confirmation was given that the initial health checks had to be carried out by a medical practitioner.  It was highlighted that in Lincolnshire additional training had been given for GPs to complete the assessments.  The Panel noted that other health checks could be completed by a nurse.  The Panel noted that other GP appointments would be made if they were required by the child and that foster carers would make these appointments through the normal process.  The Panel was advised that when any young person came into the authority, their medical records would be checked to make sure nothing was outstanding, and if there was any issues plans would be put into place straight away.

In conclusion, the Panel was reassured that a child's medical needs would always be met; and that targets were being met, however, in some cases they were just missing the old KPI target.

RESOLVED

            That the Looked After Children Annual Report for 2018/19 be received.  

(To receive a report from Ben Lilley, Team Manager Quality and Standards, which provides the Corporate Parenting Panel with an update on V4C activities for the period June to August 2019)

The Panel gave consideration to a report from Ben Lilley, Team Manager, Quality and Standards, which provided the Panel with an update on V4C activities.

Details of the V4C activities within the four quadrant areas were shown on pages 120 to 124 of the report presented.

Page 124 of the report also provided a summary of V4C planning and visits.  It was highlighted that to raise the profile of V4C, further activities were being undertaken to help increase awareness.  Some of the activities included the production of new leaflets through Children's Services teams; more publicity was being done within the quadrants and V4C updates were being circulated to groups, such as Children's Services Stakeholder Engagement Group, for representatives to feedback into their teams.

Updates relating to suitable venues were shown on pages 125 and 126 of the report presented.  The Panel noted that the use of different venues had been welcomed by attendees of V4C. 

The Panel was advised that the Armed Forces had confirmed that due to safeguarding issues, V4C meetings could not be held on MOD Establishments.  One member agreed to look into the matter further.

The Panel was advised further that planning was on-going with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue to establish suitable venues for meetings of the V4C.

The Panel was also noted that officers were exploring the possibility of V4C groups being involved in a joint design for the Imps Trail.

Officers responded to questions raised.

In conclusion, the Panel was encouraged by the participation of young people in the East Lindsey area; and to the progress made on identifying alternative venues. 

Thanks were extended by the Panel to the Participation Team for all their hard work.

RESOLVED

That the Voices for Choices (V4C) update report on the planning and progress made to develop V4C be received.

(To receive a report from Daniel Steel, Scrutiny Officer, which enables the Corporate Parenting Panel to consider and comment on the content of its work programme for the coming year)

Consideration was given to a report from Daniel Steel, Scrutiny Officer, which enabled the Panel to consider and comment on the content of its work programme for the coming year to ensure that scrutiny activity, was focussed where it could be of greatest benefit.

The Work Programme for the Corporate Parenting Panel for the period from 14 November 2019 to 14 May 2020 was detailed on pages 130 to 131 of the report for the Panel to consider.

The Panel felt that Young Inspectors should be invited to attend the 23 January 2020 meeting to update the Panel on the work of the Young Inspectors Project.

RESOLVED

1.    That the work programme as set out in the report be approved.

2.    That Young Inspectors be invited to attend the 23 January 2020 meeting to update the Panel on the work of the Young Inspectors Project.