Agenda item

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. The national target for the child to be processed was 26 weeks and the London average was 34 weeks.

·         At the end of November, 95% (408 out of 429) of Children in Care for over a month had an up to date health assessment, a sustained improvement and comparing favourably with the London average.

·         91% of LAC children had an up to date dental visit as at 31 March 2015 but, as at November 2015, 81% of the current LAC cohort had up to date dental checks.  Performance had been on a downward trajectory since April 2015 but current performance was an improvement on the position at the end of July (72.5%).

·         In the year to November 2015 there had been 15 adoptions and 12 special guardianship orders (SGO). This equated to permanency being secured for 20% of children that ceased to be looked after but was six fewer legal orders achieved compared with the same period last year and behind track to achieve our combined (adoption and SGO) target of 54 for 2015-16.

·         83.4% of Children in Care visits were recorded as completed in the relevant timescales in this period. Performance in this area had improved considerably in recent months (88.5% at the end of October 2015) but decreased by the end of November. Current performance remained below levels achieved in previous years. The Children in Care Service Manager agreed to find out why performance levels were lower than last year and report back to the Committee.

Action: Dominic Porter Moore

·         The AD Safeguarding advised the Committee that Children in Care visits were statutory visit undertaken by the social worker to the child and that visits had to occur a minimum number of times of year, dependant on the particular circumstances of that child.

·         In November, 15 children were recorded as either missing from care or away from their placement. Six children were missing at any point in the month and nine children were away without authorisation. A more systematic way to capture data on missing children and return to care interviews was being progressed. A Haringey Runaway and Missing from Home and Care Protocol had been completed by all agencies and will be the basis for dealing with children who run away or go missing in the area. The Director of Children’s Services agreed to produce a report for the next meeting which outlined some of the key factors involved and the multiple risks behind missing children.

Action: Jon Abbey

·         The Committee noted that a key factor in relation to improving performance across the board was to recruit and retain a high level of permanent staff. The DCS advised that high performing Children’s Services tended to have a high level of permanent staff. Feedback from officers was that children related better to the familiarity generated from having a consistency of social worker.

AGREED to note the report.