Decision details

The Panel considered the Quarterly Service Report (QSR) and progress against Service Plan actions for the second quarter of 2012/2013 (July to September). The Panel also considered a table setting out Ofsted inspection outcomes for the Borough’s schools up to December 2012 and a presentation by the Chief Officer Children’s Social Care, on permanent placements for children and young people in care.

With regard to the school inspections, the Panel was informed of Ofsted’s current priority areas, which included the support given to schools by the local authority. All recent inspection reports had graded the authority’s support to schools as good.

The Panel noted the outcome of school inspections and requested that details, including previous inspections, be submitted to future meetings.

Arising from Members’ questions and comments on the presentation, the following points were noted:

• As at December 2012, there were 101 Looked After Children (LAC).
• The steady increase in the number of LAC under the age of 10 was partly due to more early intervention.
• There were no children’s residential homes in the Borough apart from Larchwood, Short Break Unit for disabled children.
• There was a national shortage of adopters which impacted on placements for older children; sibling groups and children with complex needs.
• Efforts to recruit adopters included adverts in the annual press and informal coffee mornings. Once potential adopters had applied they could attend preparation groups which were held frequently across Berkshire.
• Subject to their suitability, the aim was for potential adopters’ applications to be considered by the Adoption Panel as soon as possible and within 8 months. The time taken to place a child with adoptive families varied considerably as it was vital to ensure a suitable match.
• Adoption placements were reviewed by an Independent Reviewing Officer four weeks after being made.
• The Family Placement Team provided support for all children placed by Bracknell Forest (wherever they lived) for 3 years after the adoption order, in accordance with statutory guidelines plus on-going support for those living within Bracknell Forest.
• Special Guardians were often adults known to the child in need of a placement, such as an aunt, grandparent or a current foster carer.
• A bid for an early intervention and prevention grant to fund adoption placements had been successful.

The Panel thanked the Chief Officer Children’s Social Care for her presentation.