Issue - meetings

RECEIVED the report on Performance for the Year to the end of February. Report included in the agenda pack (pages 13 to 28). 

NOTED in response to discussion:

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

• There were 414 Children in Care at the end of February, which was 70 per 10,000 population including 32 unaccompanied asylum seeker children. The reduction in Haringey’s LAC put the authority within the inter-quartile range of statistical neighbours (431 children or a rate of 69 per 10,000 population). Haringey’s rate of LAC remained significantly above the London (52) and National average (60).

• A performance review system put in place by the Head of Service for Children in Care in October 2015 yielded some excellent performance improvements. The meetings with team managers were continuing and would focus on new challenges such as the recording of pathway plans and visits to children in care. At the end of February 2016, 92% of looked after children had an up to date Care Plan, a significant improvement from a low level of 49% at the end of May2015 and now exceeding the 90% target.

• 87% of school aged children had completed and up to date Personal Education Plans (PEP) at the end of February. This was a step change in performance and only 3% short of the expected target. The results from the weekly meeting review on 17 March showed that the 90% target had been achieved. Completion of PEPs would continue to be a priority.

• At the end of February, 85% of looked after children aged 16-17 had up to date Pathway Plans.  Performance in this area is at an all time high having increased significantly compared to the low level (20%) reported in June.

• 93% of LAC had an up to date review at the end of February above the 90% target.

• 85% of Children in Care visits were recorded as completed in the relevant timescales in the period. Performance in this area had improved in recent months and was now just 5% below the 90% target.

• At the end of February, 91% (362 out of 399) of children in care for over a month had an up to date health assessment,a dip from the 97% achieved at the end of January but still above target. The dip in February performance was due to a backlog and a lack of resources as two nurses were off sick during February. Some of these children have now been seen. The service expected to bring levels back on track and health assessments performance should better the 2014/15 outturn of 94%.

• Quarter 3 data reveals that the care proceedings trend towards cases of shorter duration has been maintained with an average duration of 28 weeks and, a considerable achievement of 78% cases concluded in less than the 26 weeks statutory timescale, improved from 35% in Quarters 1 & 2. AD Safeguarding identified that far more work was being done pre-proceedings in order to improve performance in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 406