Issue - meetings

RECEIVED the report on Performance for the Year to November 2015. Report included in the agenda pack (pages 15 to 21). 

NOTED in response to discussion:

• An overall improving trajectory in relation to the majority of performance indicators.

• There were 434 Children in Care, which was 74 per 10,000 population including 38 unaccompanied asylum seeker children. Haringey’s rate of LAC remained significantly above the London (52) and National average (60) although the gap had closed to the statistical neighbour rate of 69.  

• A performance review system had been put in place by the Head of Service with team managers attending a weekly session to review plans and dates for their timely completion and update on the system as needed. As a result, performance on care plans, pathway plans and Personal Education Plans (PEPs) had improved. At the end of November, 84% of Looked After Children had an up to date Care Plan, a significant improvement from a low level of 49% at the end of May and only 6% away from the expected target.

• 62% of school aged children had completed an up to date Personal Education Plans at the end of November. This is a gradual improvement from the drop in performance in September (49% compared to a high of 71% in July), although it remains below the expected level. The Committee noted that this figure was 70% as of New Year’s Eve.

• The Committee noted that after looking into the issue, holding e-PEP’s was not practical due to the need to host them on an external system and the likely costs involved. The AD Safeguarding advised that part of the role of the PEP was to get all of the relevant people together in a room and create a two-way dialogue.

• In mid-December, 77% of Looked After Children aged 16-17 had up to date Pathway Plans. Performance in this area was at its highest and had increased significantly compared to the low level (20%) achieved in June. The Committee noted that this figure was 80% as of New Year’s Eve.

• The Committee requested that examples of PEP, Care Plan & Pathway Plan were circulated to the Committee, in order to give them a better idea of what information was contained therein.

Action: Dominic Porter-Moore/Fiona Smith

• 83 Children or 19% were placed 20 miles or more from Haringey at the end of November 2015, slightly above than the 16% target but on an improving trajectory. Although higher than national levels this proportion was in line with the average for London and our Statistical Neighbours (18%).

·         The downward trajectory of the average amount of time taken for children being placed for adoption was noted (431 days – YTD October). The Committee noted significant improvement in performance for this indicator compared to last year. This figure was above national average but was in line with statistical neighbours. In response to a question, the Committee considered that performance on this indicator was lower in London than elsewhere due to delays in court processes.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 392