Agenda item

(To consider an update report fromCarolyn Knight, Quality and Standards Manager, on  the work of the Independent Visitor)

Consideration was given to a report which provided the Corporate Parenting Panel with an update on the work of the Independent Visitor.  It was reported that there were now three Independent Visitors who were visiting the seven homes and the supported living schemes.

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:

·         The Chairman advised that he had visited the residential home at Albion Street, and reported that he was pleased to see the young people engaging well, and also reported that the manager was supportive.  He also commented on the good atmosphere within the home.  It was reported that Ofsted been back and the issues previously identified had been resolved.  The Chairman was pleased to see that action had been taken to remedy the issues.

·         It was queried whether there were any cases of Covid-19 in any of the children's homes.  It was noted that there had been some cases in a couple of the homes and the secure unit, and details of how the situation had been managed was shared with the Panel. 

·         A member commented that they missed visiting the home at Eastgate and asked that his best wishes were passed on to everyone there. 

·         It was also noted that there had been some cases in the Haven and outbreaks at Strut centres, but as they were respite homes, they had been managed slightly differently.  It was also reported that the children at the Beacon were now out of isolation.

·         In relation to the secure unit, it was queried how the young people were managed in terms of needing to self-isolate and whether there was any priority access to testing.  Members were advised that there was a separate wing in the unit for young people entering and being required to self-isolate, whilst in this wing there was a lot of one to one support for the young people.  When tests had needed to be completed, the home testing kits and results had been received quickly.  However, there was no priority access to testing for looked after children.

·         It was queried whether the Fire Houses in Grantham, were within the remit of the Independent Visiting Service.  It was reported that they were semi-independent, and were light-touch, therefore monthly visits were not required, but they did receive visits.

·         In relation to the news that Lincolnshire would be placed into tier 3 at the end of lockdown, it was queried whether this would mean that visits would be suspended again?  Officers advised that guidance was awaited, but there would be a need to risk assess again.  Following lessons learned from the previous lockdown, officers would like to be able to continue face to face visits.  However, it was hoped this would be possible as the staff had access to the necessary PPE this time, as well as new safety procedures in place.  It was noted that it was unlikely that groups would be resuming face to face activities in the near future.

·         It was queried why the issues at Albion Street had not been picked up until the visit by Ofsted, and it was queried what reassurance there was that this would not happen again.  It was acknowledged that there had been challenges with only being able to carry out virtual meetings, particularly around the fabric of the building, as there was only so much that could be viewed on a virtual call.  The documents which were requested and sent through gave a good picture of the situation, but it was not possible to view it in its entirety.  Members could be assured that a lot of learning had come out of this situation.  Officers had been able to review the information and were assured that this was not a situation which had been replicated in other homes.

RESOLVED

            That the report be noted.