Agenda and minutes

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Contact: Lizzie Rich  01344 352253

Items
No. Item

1.

Minutes and Matters Arising

Minutes:

The minutes of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) meeting held on 29 January 2016 were approved as a correct record.

 

Matters arising

  • The outcomes of the Emergency Duty Team’s review of Appropriate Adult function would be brought to the next meeting.
  • Work was ongoing with the LSCB Learning and Improvement Sub-group around GP engagement in Child Protection conferences. It was agreed that Children’s Social Care needed to highlight the conferences which GPs should attend to the Conference and Review Team. Teleconference facilities were discussed as a consideration.  (Action: Katie Caird/Heather Brown)
  • The Care Quality Commission’s inspection of Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BHFT) had not yet been finalised, but had resulted in a rating of ‘Good’. It was agreed that the report and the trust’s response should be taken to the next LISG meeting following publication. (Action: Nancy Barber)
  • The National Probation Service inspection report had not yet been released. It was noted that this report would not give a rating, but would give suggestions as to areas of improvement. A peer review of these services had also been undertaken. It was agreed that the report and the results of the peer review should be brought to the Learning and Improvement Sub-group. (Action: John Ennis)
  • A briefing on the Health and Wellbeing Board’s work and transformation bid to improve the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in the area would be brought to the next meeting. (Action: Janette Karklins)
  • Jean Ash from Reading Borough Council’s Childrens Social Care team attended the last Pan Berkshire Section 11 Sub-group and would now be joining the group. Jean would be undertaking the Children Social Care representation for all 6 LSCBs.
  • Representation from The Family Justice Board had been raised at the Pan Berkshire Chairs Group, and it had been agreed that they would attend their meeting on an annual basis.
  • A regional, sector-led peer review would be a helpful challenge to the Bracknell LSCB. It was hoped that a peer review could be arranged within the first half of 2016.
  • There was a specific project within the council’s transformation projects looking at families with mental health needs and substance misuse. It was noted that although this was part of the council’s transformation plan, it involved other partners. The project was being led by Karen Frost and David Watkins The briefing note and scoping document would be requested at the next meeting. (Action: Alison Burnell)
  • Concerns around those children identified as being at risk of CSE and use of Child Protection plans was subject to a Task and Finish group.
  •  The Child Protection Conference participation template would be circulated for comment to John Ennis, Debbie Hartrick and Eugene Jones. (Action: Heather Brown)
  • The training needs and learning of those attending child protection conferences and core groups was informing the redrafting of the new strategy. It was noted that the new training strategy would focus specifically on Bracknell Forest. (Action: Emma Anderton)
  • The PACT version of the PICADA programme  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

2.

Performance Data

Minutes:

The Board received and noted the LSCB Quarter 3 performance data. The data had been discussed at the Learning and Improvement Sub-group in February.

 

It was noted that activities relating to the Pupil Referral Unit had a significant impact on the Missing Children data that were subsequently reviewed by Youth Service staff, and could skew the overall results. Karen Frost was leading work into the definition and threshold of a missing/absent person, and the point at which a missing person should be reported.

 

The ‘children missing from education’ figure for Quarter 3 2015-16 had not yet been received, but this area was being scrutinised through the CSE and Missing Subgroup.

 

A new Anti-Social Behaviour lead officer had been appointed by Thames Valley Police, and was keen to get involved with pupils who had been excluded in Bracknell Forest.

 

The data demonstrated that a particular unnamed secondary school in the borough had significantly more exclusions than the others, and it was requested that this school be named and monitored. (Action: Alison Burnell)

 

The Board commented that the data had a good narrative to support it, and demonstrated how well performance and local issues were known and understood in Bracknell Forest. 

3.

S11 Sub Group Draft Annual Report

Minutes:

The LSCB received the S11 Subgroup Draft Annual Report 2015/16, put together by Jayne Reynolds. The Pan Berkshire Section 11 panel had changed its reporting mechanism and now reported through the Independent Chairs group.

 

The panel had made a lot of progress in 2015/16, and it was noted that the forward planner and scrutiny had been key. There had also been a significant commitment to safeguarding from non-child facing organisations such as the Ambulance service, Probation, and Broadmoor Hospital. These organisations were keen to work more closely with the LSCBs. The panel now had Children’s Social Care representation, which was essential.

 

The LSCB heard that the new system involving agencies presenting to the S11 Panel was working well to enable greater scrutiny and learning, and it was commented that the Berkshire process could be put to good use in other areas.

 

It was reported that the Autumn meeting of the panel (15 September) would involve Local Authorities and the invite would be sent to Chief Executives. This would be the first time all Local Authorities had supplied safeguarding information to the same panel at the same time, and it was hoped that it would be a useful learning process for all authorities involved. It was commented that even if a good Section 11 was achieved, all agencies and authorities still needed an action plan to ensure continuous improvement.

 

The next Pan Berkshire Section 11 panel was scheduled for 16 June 2016.

4.

LSCB Learning and Improvement Sub Group Annual Report

Minutes:

The LSCB received and noted a 6 month update report on the Learning and Improvement Sub-group (LISG).

 

In particular, it was noted that the LISG had:

  • considered updates on Action Plans in relation to SCR Child C on two occasions
  • considered one serious incident notification and actioned the necessary learning points
  • commissioned and reviewed a multi-agency staff supervision survey
  • agreed a Disability Assurance survey.

 

The LISG was also in the process of conducting a LSCB multi-agency audit on Thresholds. The findings of the audit would be presented to the April meeting. (Action: Jonathan Picken)

5.

Misuse of Technologies (E Safety)

Minutes:

Kellie Williams, Community Safety Team Manager gave a presentation on the future of the E-safety sub-group.

 

The E-Safety Subgroup had been set up as a part of the LSCB originally, but had moved to be a subgroup of the Community Safety Partnership. In previous years, the budget for the group had been around £10,000 but in 2016, it was reported that there would be no budget.

 

A number of issues with the group were discussed, including dwindling membership, a lack of representation of those working with school-age children, and a lack of specialist knowledge of the ever-changing digital world. Kellie commented that the issues arising around E-safety should be discussed in the other relevant subgroups.

 

It was therefore recommended to the LSCB that the E-Safety Subgroup should disband, and the issues arising be redirected within the existing subgroups. Kellie commented that as specific issues or areas of concern arose, they would be assigned to a Subgroup or Task and Finish group to work on. The strategic agenda of the work would remain within the Community Safety Team.

 

Karen Roberts had suggested that the Terms of Reference and Action Plan for the CSE and Missing Subgroup be expanded to include issues around e-safety.

 

Kellie reported that there was a Government consultation ongoing regarding age verification for access to online pornography. It was agreed that the link to this information and consultation would be circulated. (Action: Kellie Williams)

 

The work around e-safety had exposed concerns around the training available, which was often not provided by someone with child-facing experience. The LSCB were asked to consider how this could be rectified. There was also not any tracking or co-ordination of the training available in schools. (Action: Jonathan Picken/Emma Anderton/Kellie Williams)

 

The police had shared information regarding the increase in number of reports of online CSE, and the decrease in ages of victims. In the past 3 months, 4 incidents had involved 10 year olds.

 

The CSP and Safeguarding Adults Board had approved the recommendation.

 

Arising from the Board’s discussion of the issue, it was noted that:

  • Work was required around the transition between Children’s Social Care and Adult’s Social Care for young people with learning disabilities, particularly regarding E-safety. It was noted that young adults with learning disabilities were often perpetrators and victims of online crimes.
  • A report regarding CSE training in schools had been received at the CSE/Missing Strategy Sub-Group, however the data had been collated so the individual schools and resultant gaps could not be identified. The presentation of it would be discussed with Debbie Smith. (Action: Debbie Smith/Alison Burnell). The LSCB noted that the Board may need to write to schools individually in order to ensure it receives accurate information.
  • The Children and Young People’s Partnership Board should be informed and consulted on the issue and receive the presentation. (Action: Kellie Williams/Janette Karklins/Gareth Barnard)
  • Governance and accountability of e-safety provision needed to be handled carefully if the issue was split over several groups.
  • The Safeguarding Adults  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

Substance Misuse

Minutes:

The LSCB welcomed Jillian Hunt to give an update on the work to address substance misuse being undertaken in Bracknell Forest. The report was tabled.

 

Between Quarter 3 2014/15 and Quarter 3 2015/16, there had been a reduction of 50% in the number of young people referred to the DAAT. There had been an ongoing problem with the use of MCAT (Mephedrone), but the number of young people presenting with MCAT use had dropped significantly. It was reported that 2 dealers of MCAT in the borough had been to prison and then released, and were dealing again. Young people who had previously used MCAT may have switched back to other legal highs, cannabis or alcohol. Jillian commented that new legislation coming into force on 6 April 2016 would make supplying legal highs an offence, and would prevent its sale in shops and online. It was commented that once legal highs were not readily available, more young people may start to present to the DAAT with withdrawal symptoms.

 

It was commented that fewer parents were presenting for treatment, and the reasons for this were unclear. Jillian reported that work was ongoing with Children’s Social Care to undertake further analysis and would be reported back if appropriate.

 

Jillian reported that on 1 April 2016, the tender decision for an integrated substance misuse service was deferred by CMT due to the Berkshire-wide review of drug and alcohol services. Bracknell Forest Council’s Corporate Management Team had not awarded the contract, and had instead extended the current drug and alcohol contract from 17 March 2016 for 12 months. Jillian commented that the award not going ahead had resulted in a 15% budget cut for services which was likely to reduce access to residential services.

 

It was reported that as a result of the cuts, the Youth Offending Service (YOS) may no longer be able to contribute funding to the Young People’s substance misuse specific post. This had presented an issue, because in Bracknell Forest for Quarter 3 2015/16, 56% of referrals to the DAAT had come from the YOS compared to a national average of 28%. It was commented that in Bracknell Forest, drug use and addiction had been causing young people to offend.

 

It was agreed that in future, all data should be supplied to the LSCB and assessed for its usefulness, particularly regarding vulnerabilities and impact on safeguarding children. It was agreed that if there were any concerns around children and young people, these should also be brought to the LSCB to establish the reasons behind the concerns.  (Action: Jillian Hunt)

 

It was reported that there would be a consultation if there were significant changes proposed to new service provision. The LSCB were invited to engage any resultant consultation process.

 

7.

Task and Finish Group Updates

i)             Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

ii)            Protecting Young People at Risk

iii)           Review of Continuum of Help (Thresholds) Guidance

iv)           Minimum standards for Child Protection Plan Visits

 

Minutes:

The LSCB received a report on the Task and Finish Groups, and discussed timescales for the relevant groups.

 

The Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) group had met on 17 March 2016, and intended to meet two or three more times. It was agreed that the work would be reported to the May 2016 Board meeting. (Action: Mairead Panetta)

 

The Protecting Young People at Risk group was due to commence within the next few weeks, although it was noted that Heather Brown would only be in post for a short while longer. It was suggested that an update on the group should be brought to the next Board meeting. (Action: Jonathan Picken)

 

Review of Continuum of Help (Thresholds) Guidance group was reported to need longer to conclude, as it was suggested that this review should be integrated with that of Martin Ayres’ current work within Children’s’ Social Care relating to ‘permanency planning’ in order to achieve sustainable change and long term outcomes for children. It was noted that this work required support from all partners. . An update was requested for the LSCB in July. (Action: Janette Karklins/Jonathan Picken)

 

The Minimum Standards for Child Protection Plan Visits group had met on 11 March, but were not yet sure of the work which would be involved. It was agreed that if the work had not yet been concluded, then an update should be provided at the next Board. (Action: Mairead Panetta)

 

It was commented that the groups were a challenge because of capacity, and all members were encouraged to stay focussed on the single task of the group.

8.

Challenge Log - Review and Actions

Minutes:

The LSCB received the LSCB Risk and Challenge Log 2015-16 as a standing item, which had been updated by Alison Burnell. It was noted that the majority of the logged risks and challenges were green. The Chair stressed that the individuals identified were responsible for updating the challenge log on progress and status and that this document would be published with the LSCB Annual Report.

 

Alison invited comments on the log, which would be circulated to the Board in colour. It was noted that there were many entries which could be changed or edited, and members were encouraged to report these changes to Alison. (Action: Alison Burnell)

 

It was also agreed that a key should be added to the document, to give clear definitions for the categories of red, amber and green. (Action: Alison Burnell)

 

The log would be brought as a standing item to each Board meeting for review.

9.

LSCB Business Plan 2016 - 2019

Minutes:

The LSCB received the draft Business Plan 2016 to 2019.

 

There had been 7 targeted priorities in previous business plans, and it was noted that the 2016-19 document had been reworked to clarify the priorities of the Board into 5 priorities which were those which had been identified for improvement and work was already underway:

  • Increase the Effectiveness of the long-term safeguarding of children and young people
  • Reduce the impact of violence on children and young people
  • Expand the provision of Early Help
  • Strengthen arrangements in place to tackle CSE
  • Develop further the steps partners must take to support counter terrorism

 

It was agreed that the new Business Plan would be circulated to the Board, to be reviewed at the next meeting. (Action: Jonathan Picken)

 

Members were asked to particularly reflect on the phrasing and wording of the 5 priorities, and send feedback to Jonathan. (Action: All)

10.

DfE Review of LSCBs, including SCR and CDOP processes

AILC Consultation Response

 

Minutes:

The LSCB received the Association of Independent LSCB Chairs final report submitted to The Government Review of Local Safeguarding Children Boards. It contained 14 clear recommendations based on the national survey undertaken by the Association.

 

Alex Walters reported that in a meeting with Alan Wood, it had been made clear that his review would include recommendations to the DfE around enhancing the statutory framework, and additional requirements on Police and Health, but allowed a permissiveness in the way arrangements could be constituted locally. The deadline for submission of his report was 31 March 2016.

 

No specific statement on the role of Independent Chairs had been made by Alan Wood, however the review was clear that LSCBs needed to consider where their independent challenge was coming from.

 

There had been a suggestion that Serious Case Reviews could be undertaken nationally in the most complex cases, and that there would be a national body established to do these.

 

It was explained that the Government may reject some or all recommendations made in the review and LSCBs should await the official response.

11.

Minutes of other Strategic Boards

Minutes:

The LSCB received and noted the minutes of the Children and Young People Partnership Board on 12 January 2016.

 

No other strategic boards had met in the interim.

12.

CRIN Paper re radicalisation

Minutes:

The LSCB received and noted the CRIN Paper on re-radicalisation.

13.

It's Time (NSPCC Campaign)

Minutes:

The LSCB noted the It’s Time (NSPCC Campaign) information, which gave information on the provision of longer term services.

14.

Inquiry into family life (4Children findings)

Minutes:

The LSCB noted the Inquiry Into Family Life (4Children findings) report, which focussed on combatting isolated families and building services to strengthen communities.

15.

AOB

Minutes:

There had been a member of staff working for a local independent provider who had been referred through the LADO had had been suspended. It was agreed that the Learning and Improvement Sub-group should oversee a review of the provider to establish the level of concern by all partner agencies, and partner agencies were asked to note that they may be asked to contribute to this process.

 

The Board agreed that a separate review of the LADO process and the response made by non specialist / uniformed police officers in relation to allegations against staff should be overseen by the Learning and Improvement Sub Group. This review will focus on a recent case, but consider areas that are thought to also represent broader themes and challenges.

 

Thames Valley Police had coordinated an investigation in relation to sexual abuse/exploitation that resulted in the arrest and prosecution of one male suspect. The trial relating to these alleged offences was in its first week. Thames Valley Police’s support of child witnesses was commended. Wokingham would be looking at this case through their SCR Subgroup, and had ensured that the Bracknell Forest LSCB would be informed of the outcome as the case had connections to young people in Bracknell.

 

The Pan-Berkshire Lay Members were due to meet in the week commencing 21 March 2016.

16.

Date of next meeting

20 May 2016

Minutes:

The next meeting was scheduled for 20 May 2016.

 

Contact Information

Democratic services

Email: committee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk