Agenda item

SBC had statutory duties to children in its care; the previous Ofsted inspections had highlighted a significant amount of work which was required to improve the service. SBC and SCST were working jointly to rectify these matters, and a monitoring visit from Ofsted scheduled for February 2017 would focus on the service.

The report presented to the Panel summarised the work which had taken place. This had transformed the service and both SCST and SBC were confident that demonstrable improvements were now embedded. To support this, the Joint Parenting Panel had met twice (most recently on 7^th February 2017); 2 people who were previously in SBC’s care attended. They discussed their apprenticeships which they were currently taking at SBC and also reflected on the improvements mentioned in the report.

Upon taking responsibility for the service, SCST had been presented with a poor picture as to the state of matters. SBC was also receptive to the message that co-operation was required, with the Joint Parenting Panel being co-chaired by SBC and SCST as one aspect of the joint working both parties realised was required. The Joint Parenting Panel is also attended by a wide range of agencies to bolster its work.

The Ofsted monitoring visit of February 2017 would revisit the areas of concern identified by their previous inspection. Despite the improvements outlined in the report, it was recognised that further effort would be needed. As one example, audits of files had demonstrated the need for recording to become more rigorous. However, as SCST had taken over the service and, in many respects, had to start from scratch all parties were realistic as to what would be required. The findings of the monitoring visit would be reported to a wide series of boards and stakeholders.

The Panel raised the following points in discussion:

·  Female genital mutilation (FGM) was recognised as a corporate priority. To resolve this, SCST was committed to engagement with young people. In addition, the new Chair of the Slough Local Safeguarding Children’s Board had prioritised the issue and allocated the matter to the sub group on young people’s safety. Key relationships with schools, SBC’s Education Department and health professionals, as well as the Improvement Board.

·  Young people had reported that their voices were being more clearly heard. As a result of this, they were now receiving more of the relevant resources (in particular housing) which would help them lead better lives. SBC’s recent announcements regarding housing were innovative and would support this should they be enacted. SBC’s support through offering apprenticeships was also valued, whilst care leavers had recently been offered a grant of £1,200 to support their community. They had used this to provide facilities for a care leavers’ drop in centre.

·  Children previously in SBC’s care who were now apprentices with SBC had gone through the standard channels. However, to encourage more to take this option, a route with additional support was being put in place. In addition, it was intended that more SBC departments would offer apprenticeships through this route.

·  An offer of work experience was also made for those children in care who were not apprentices. SCST did not hold information on the outcomes for this; however, this could be found out and reported back to the Panel. In addition, a mentoring scheme had been established.

·  The Virtual School Headteacher was the gatekeeper for the Pupil Premium. She was monitoring the situation; all parties were aware that the Premium had been underspent, and the Virtual School Headteacher was reporting back on progress to SCST’s Chief Executive.

·  The Transitions Forum had agreed a protocol between Children’s Services and Adult Social Care. This would establish arrangements so that children in care could be passed to services for adults with a clear information on their histories and any needs they may have. This had been improving, and the protocol (which had yet to be signed off) should support this.

·  The Panel wished their thanks for improved academic outcomes for looked after children to be noted.

Resolved: that information on the outcomes for looked after children who were given work experience would be sent to the Panel.