Agenda item

(To receive a report from Tara Jones, Children's Service Manager – Partners in Practice, which provides the Committee with an overview of Lincolnshire's Partners in Practice Programme)

The Committee gave consideration to a report from Tara Jones, Children's Service Manager – Partners in Practice, which provided the Committee with an overview of Lincolnshire's Partners in Practice Programme.

In the absence of the Children's Services Manager – Partners in Practice, Jo Kavanagh, Interim Assistant Director of Children's Services (Lead Early Help) guided the Committee through the report.

The Committee noted that as part of the Department for Education (DfE) reform programme 'Putting Children First' document, three fundamental pillars of reform were established.  To achieve the required outcomes set out under each of the three pillars, the DfE had established a Partners in Practice Programme, which brought together the country's eight leading authorities, of which Lincolnshire was one of the authorities.

It was noted further that the Partners in Practice Programme would improve practice in Lincolnshire and other Children's Services by transforming the quality of children's social care services and early help arrangements; and support the reform of the wider system.  It was reported that Lincolnshire had a proven track record of continuous improvement and good performance; and the vision was to improve Children's Services in Lincolnshire and elsewhere.

The Committee was advised that the Partners in Practice Programme was scheduled to run until 31 March 2020; and was made up of three work streams, which aligned directly to the three fundamental pillars of the DfE reforms.  Details of the three work streams and the projects associated with each work stream and the names of the responsible officers were contained within the report presented.  It was highlighted that the Governance and Accountability project was currently on hold due to devolution and its wider impact on children's services across Lincolnshire.

In conclusion, the Committee noted that the project plan for the four year programme was continuing to be developed; and that monies had been agreed by the Department for Education; and that monies would be transferred via a Section 31 grant.

During discussion, the following issues were raised:-

·         Reference was made to the Government's commitment to roll out a new national assessment and accreditation system by 2020.  It was noted that the introduction of the National Assessment and Accreditation System (NAAS) would provide, for the first time, a consistent way of providing assurance to effectively assess social workers knowledge and skills.  It was noted further that phase one of the NAAS roll out would involve local authorities that were 'Partners in Practice' piloting the assessment and accreditation system along with a group of volunteer local authorities.  The project would ensure that social workers received refresher training, coaching and mentoring and the opportunity to attend masterclasses, so that the relevant level of knowledge and skill was achieved.  Officers highlighted that there was a degree of nervousness as it was hoped that the accreditation would not create barriers to becoming a social worker as at the moment there was uncertainty as to which roles would be accredited;

·         The Committee was advised that the money available from the DfE, would be used based on the content of the bid submitted.  It was further confirmed that the amount received would total £1m, which would be received over a period of time.  It was further highlighted that in instances where the Council provided help to other authorities, the Council was paid for this help separately.  The Committee agreed that it was commendable that the Children's Services team were leading the way; and that it was an excellent achievement for Lincolnshire.  One member felt that it would be useful for the Committee to have some more financial details, to have some reassurance that there was no financial burden on the Council;

·         One member requested that the Committee should receive evaluation information relating to the changed ways of working, once the project was implemented.  It was felt that a progress report should be received by the Committee in six months' time; and

·         One question raised with regard to Project 5 was whether the Youth Offending Service would be integrated, to help parents and children.  Officers confirmed that all work with children and young people was working with the whole family.

RESOLVED

1.    That the proposals for the Partners in Practice Programme be endorsed.

2.    That a progress report be received in six months' time (to include details of the financial impact of the programme).