Issue - meetings

To consider the latest trends, priorities and pressures in terms of departmental performance as reported in the QSR for the third quarter of 2016/17 (October to December 2016) relating to Children, Young People and Learning, giving particular attention to outcomes of Ofsted school inspections, home educated children and child protection trends.

Panel members are asked to give advance notice to the Overview and Scrutiny Team of any questions relating to the QSR and to the Annual Reports on this agenda where possible.

The Panel considered the latest trends, priorities and pressures in terms of departmental performance as reported in the Quarterly Service Report for the third quarter of 2016/17 (October to December 2016) relating to Children, Young People and Learning. 

In introducing the report, the Director highlighted two areas worthy of special attention.  The Pay and Workforce Strategy, specifically in relation to the recruitment and retention of children’s social workers was beginning to pay real dividends.  There was a reduction in the vacancy rate, and a significant drop in the number of agency staff required resulting in a stable and skilled workforce on the frontline ensuring the continuity and quality of casework for children.  This was a local trend which was not reflected nationally.  Secondly, the Department had engaged in a clear focus on school performance and children’s readiness for school.  This involved ensuring that every family that wished to access a place for a two year old was able to and working with system leaders on a learning improvement strategy framework.  Inspirational leadership in areas such as curriculum and performance would lead to high quality education provision and improve educational outcomes.

The Panel received a presentation from the Chief Officer: Children’s Social Care, outlining the activities of the branch in relation to looked after children (LAC) and those with Child Protection Plans.  Although there were always peaks and troughs, the number of children on Child Protection Plans had risen over the last year to a high of 171.  This had not been matched by the increase in the number of families affected.

An independent review of child protection plans in place had put forward a number of recommendations as to improvements which could be made.  These related to such matters as more joint agency auditing; closer links with the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH); a review of child protection monitoring plans; and a review of the Educational Safeguarding role.  The Panel received answers to questions about child protection plans for unborns and for children at risk of child sexual exploitation.

The Panel received a colour version of the Inspection Outcomes for schools, including published reports up to April 2017.  Also, Exclusion data relating to the Spring Term 2016 (and comparative figures for 2015) detailed for each school was circulated.  Bracknell Forest was in the top quintile of schools for the fewest number of exclusions.  Persistent disruptive behaviour remained the most common reason for exclusion; there were few exclusions for bullying as this was more often dealt with by other means. The Panel noted there was a correlation between the schools with a higher number of exclusions and those with poorer results.