Agenda and minutes

Please note that this meeting may be filmed or recorded by the Council for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site or by anyone attending the meeting using any communication method. Although we ask members of the public recording, filming or reporting on the meeting not to include the public seating areas, members of the public attending the meeting should be aware that we cannot guarantee that they will not be filmed or recorded by others attending the meeting. Members of the public participating in the meeting (e.g. making deputations, asking questions, making oral protests) should be aware that they are likely to be filmed, recorded or reported on. 

By entering the meeting room and using the public seating area, you are consenting to being filmed and to the possible use of those images and sound recordings.

The chair of the meeting has the discretion to terminate or suspend filming or recording, if in his or her opinion continuation of the filming, recording or reporting would disrupt or prejudice the proceedings, infringe the rights of any individual or may lead to the breach of a legal obligation by the Council.

The Chair referred Members present to agenda item 1 in respect of filming at this meeting.  Members noted the information contained therein.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Mark Blake.

The Chair will consider the admission of any late items of urgent business (late items will be considered under the agenda item where they appear. New items will be dealt with as noted below).

None.

A member with a disclosable pecuniary interest or a prejudicial interest in a matter who attends a meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered:

(i) must disclose the interest at the start of the meeting or when the interest becomes apparent, and

(ii) may not participate in any discussion or vote on the matter and must withdraw from the meeting room.

A member who discloses at a meeting a disclosable pecuniary interest which is not registered in the Register of Members’ Interests or the subject of a pending notification must notify the Monitoring Officer of the interest within 28 days of the disclosure.

Disclosable pecuniary interests, personal interests and prejudicial interests are defined at Paragraphs 5-7 and Appendix A of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

None.

To consider any requests received in accordance with Part 4, Section B, Paragraph 29 of the Council’s Constitution.

None.

To approve the minutes of the meeting of 23^rd March 2023.

AGREED

That the minutes of the meeting of 23^rd March 2023 be approved.

To note the terms of reference and membership of the Panel.

AGREED:

That the following be noted:

1.    The terms of reference and protocols for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and its Panels and non-voting co-opted Members on Scrutiny Panels; and

2.    The policy areas/remits and membership for each Scrutiny Panel for 2023/24.

To approve the appointment of a non-voting co-opted member to the Panel.

AGREED:

That a representative from Haringey SEND Parent Carer Forum be appointed as a non-voting co-opted Member of the Panel for the 2023/24 Municipal Year.

An opportunity to question Councillor Zena Brabazon, the Cabinet Member for

Children, Schools and Families, on developments within her portfolio.

Councillor Zena Brabazon, the Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, reported on key developments within her portfolio.  The two most significant ones were the recent Ofsted Inspection of children’s social care and the Safety Valve programme, which were covered in detail elsewhere on the agenda for the meeting.  There had been a Member development session on the Safety Valve programme.  It was a large and very important programme, which could not afford to fail.  The Council would need to work closely with schools and other partners to ensure its success.

A Get Haringey Talking programme to encourage the development of speech and language amongst children under 5 had been launched.  She felt that the campaign was long overdue and also needed to be brought to the attention of the Integrated Care Board.  She was aiming to secure additional funding for the borough for this. 

An inspection of the Youth Justice Service was due in the next few months.  She had recently attended an awayday for people in the service which had been very impressive and provided an insight into the very demanding work that the team undertook.  The first of the borough’s four Family Hubs was due to be launched on 28^th June and the Panel were invited to attend this.  The hubs were being funded by £3.8 million of government money and she was optimistic about their prospects.  She was also due to attend conferences of Haringey Safeguarding Children’s Board and Haringey Headteachers.

She had recently attended an away afternoon with Haringey Education Partnership (HEP).   She noted that recent events had shown the benefits of schools remaining part of their local authority family of schools.  There was a national issue that had been identified with school buildings that had been constructed in the 1970s using concrete.   The government had asked for local investigations to take place of such buildings.  The Council had been able to provide support quickly for schools in the borough that had been affected.

The Chair congratulated the Cabinet Member and officers on the outcome of the recent Ofsted inspection and moving the Council’s social care services to a “good” rating.  She also highlighted the Safety Valve programme to reduce the deficit in the high needs block.  She asked what were the key challenges in responding to these two issues.

The Cabinet Member stated that there was an action plan that had been developed to respond to the recommendations of the inspection and, in particular, the area identified as requiring improvement.  She felt that the inspection process had been fair and even handed.  The areas highlighted by the inspection were no surprise.   The Action Plan would be submitted to Ofsted and would show where attention would be focused.  The service knew what was required to improve and move towards an “outstanding” rating.  An Excellence Board would be established in September to provide challenge and this would be independently chaired.  In respect of the Safety Valve, the biggest challenge would be to deliver all of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

To consider the outcome of the recent inspection of children’s social care services at the Council and the action plan arising from it.

Beverley Hendricks, Assistant Director for Safeguarding and Social Care, presented a report on the recent Ofsted inspection of children’s social care.  She highlighted the change of culture that had taken place, with staff now feeling confident of speaking to inspectors.  In addition, there was now better retention of practitioners, which provided greater stability.  She also highlighted the challenge of moving away from exporting children to other areas to building the Council’s own in-borough provision.  The draft post Oftsed Action Plan was included in the papers for the meeting and any comments on it would be very welcome.

In answer to a question, she stated that Independent Review Officers (IROs) had been established following national serious case reviews.  Their role was to provide independent scrutiny and challenge in respect of the experience of looked after children (LACs).  Although they were contracted to the local authority, they were treated as independent and managed at arm’s length.  There were currently 7 in Haringey.  They had caseloads of around 60 children each.  They undertook visits, met parents, carers and young people and raised any concerns with the Council.  Life story work referred to a record of significant events from a child’s life, which would typically be put together by parents for their children.  These could be beneficial to a person’s sense of belonging, especially those who had been separated from their families.  There were psychologists within the Children’s Social Care service who worked with social workers to support them in developing therapeutic life stories for LACs.  There were two life story processes.  There were life story books and home books, which were maintained by foster parents and had a diary format.  These processes were built into standards for foster carers.  The area of challenge was where there was a lack of stability in placements, which could include residential homes.  There had also been issues with compliance.  Children’s commissioning had recently been transferred back into the Children’s Service and contracts had been reissued, including the requirement to undertake life story work.  IROs were expected to check that it was taking place.  There could be issues relating to life story books when children came into the care system at a late stage of their development as parents and carers could be very distressed and reluctant to pass on information.  The inspection had picked up on the fact that more work was required on life stories.

In answer to another question, she stated that there was the aspiration to set up an Excellence Board so that the very best that could be provided for Haringey children should be provided.  There was support across the service’s senior management team, who shared the ambition, aspiration and vision.  The aim was for excellence but they would settle for outstanding for children. 

In answer to a question regarding siblings, Ms Hendricks stated that the service’s current policy was weighted towards keeping them together.  When the oldest of siblings placed together was nearing the age of 18, there would be negotiations with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

To consider and comment on how early intervention is undertaken by the Council for children and young people in order to prevent needs from escalating.

Tim Miller, Head of Strategic Commissioning, presented an update on the SEND Transformation and the associated Written Statement of Action, as included in the agenda papers for the meeting.

Panel Members expressed concern at the waiting time for autism assessments for children between the ages of 12 and 18, which was 18 months.  Secondary schools were more challenging places for children with autism, especially girls.  In addition, many children might not appear to be autistic.  Mr Miller reported that specific work was being undertaken with Open Door.  The Language and Support Team had been of the view that there was a gap in therapeutic support for children in secondary schools and this was why Open Door had been commissioned.  Support had been moved to a pre and post diagnostic model.  The offer from Open Door was in addition to the support that was already provided by the Tavistock Clinic.  A new clinical pathway was being developed for autism in the north central London area that recognised local differences but also adopted common principles.   The aim was provide support when needs arose rather than waiting for a formal diagnosis and supporting children and families as they progressed.  A meeting would be taking place with NHS England to discuss how to bring the waiting list down.

In answer to a question regarding the use of privately funded assessments, Mr Miller stated that the NHS did not ask about the status of clinicians making assessments.  Private diagnoses were used on a regular basis and the NHS itself also used private providers.  However, GPs could be sensitive about the suitability of some providers, as could clinical teams.  He would encourage any parents considering the option of a private diagnosis to talk the matter through with their GP.  Ms Graham commented that, irrespective of the existence of a private diagnosis, there was still a process that needed to be gone through.

Ms Difolco presented an update on the Safety Valve programme.  In answer to a question, she stated that there was commitment by the Council and its partners to bring about a shift in culture.  The direction of travel was consistent with national trends.  There were very good relationships with partners and support from them all for the programme.  No change was not an option.  Ms Graham commented that there would also be a whole systems change in addition to the cultural shift.  In answer to a question on how teachers would be taught, she stated that work was taking place to improve support to schools and especially the workforce.  One of the key projects was to improve the workforce development plan.  The new plan was much more comprehensive and had been developed following consultation with stakeholders.  It was due to start from September. 

In answer to a question, Mary Jarrett (Head of Integrated SEND) reported that recruitment was taking place of Speech and Language Assistants.  This was following a successful pilot that had taken place in Noel Park and was part of a system  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

To receive an update on the implementation of the recommendations of the review on child poverty that was undertaken by the Panel in 2021-22 and responded to by Cabinet on 18 October 2022.

Jean Taylor, Head of Policy, provided an update on the implementation of the recommendations of the scrutiny review on child poverty.  A response to them had been provided by Cabinet in November 2022.  Ongoing work was taking place to address the cost of living pressures, which were having a significant impact on residents.  There was a disproportionate impact on children and young people and levels of child poverty were likely to be exacerbated.  Work on a coordinated response by the Council to cost of living pressures had continued until recently. The pressures were likely to continue for the foreseeable future as a result of a range of factors.  Work was taking place on how to re-frame the response for the longer term and, in particular, to identify the levers that were likely to have the greatest effect in mitigating the impact.  In particular, consideration was being given to how to increase the life chances of young people and increase social mobility.  The Haringey Community Gold project was continuing, with funding continuing until 2025 and work was taken place to embed the initiatives within it.   The Mayor had made a commitment to fund universal free school meals for the next academic year and work was takin place with schools on what would happen following this. 

In answer to a question regarding social mobility, she stated that work on this was at an early stage but there was an understanding of what the key levers were.  Being able to access the best possible education, having a range of specific needs addressed and support on transitions were all important and could determine life chances.  Access to opportunities outside of school were also important.  Holidays schemes could provide access to opportunities to participate in activities in sport or the arts. 

The Panel raised the issue of the identification of parents entitled to free school meals and the relationship with the pupil premium.  The Cabinet Member reported that the was a Council free school meals working group which she belonged to and which had discussed this particular issue.   The relevant form was currently being revised.  In addition, the Council’s admissions teams would be taking responsibility for this and would aim to obtain the national insurance number of parents.  It was anticipated that this would enable a better result to be obtained.

In answer to a question regarding period poverty, the Panel noted that there had been discussions with schools regarding this and that a scheme to assist was being rolled out.  Ms Hendricks agreed to circulate a briefing to the Panel on progress with this.

In answer to a question regarding clothing, the Cabinet Member reported that the Deborah Reiss Foundation provided a wide range of clothing for schools to distribute.  This was allocated according to levels of child poverty. 

The Chair thanked Ms Taylor for her report and presentation and asked that the Panel be kept informed of any relevant further developments.

AGREED:

That the Assistant Director of Safeguarding and Children’s Social Care be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

To consider the future work plan for the Panel.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Panel would be on 21^st September and that the items for the meeting would be:

·         Haringey Youth Justice Strategic Plan;

·         Stop and Search; and

·         Skills and Careers.