To report on the outcome of a recent LGA Peer Review on children’s services.
Minutes:
Ms Hendricks reported on the outcome of the recent Peer Challenge that had been undertaken on children’s social care within the borough by a team from the Local Government Association (LGA). This had been undertaken in November 2022 and its final report was now awaited. Peer challenges were undertaken by invitation from local authorities and this had been done in preparation for Ofsted inspection. The challenge had been an extensive process, including reviews of documents, data and case files, interviews and focus groups. In addition, there had been observation of practice. The scope of the challenge had been wide ranging.
A number of strengths had been identified by the team. In particular, the Early Help Panel had been found to be well attended and the social workers in school scheme had been shown to have an impact. There was also a greater range of services that were available now to the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), which was found to be well resourced and structured. There were a number of areas in respect of the MASH and the Front Door that were identified for further consideration. These included reviewing the contribution of partners to the MASH and governance arrangements and developing live data reports. In respect of permanency planning, senior leaders were found to be committed to this. The Foster to Adopt approach also promoted early permanency. They were also impressed by the quality of special guardianship assessments that were undertaken. Amongst areas identified for further consideration were the additional capacity in permanency planning so that it was considered across the spectrum. The workforce was identified as a strength and they were seen as passionate and committed. Consideration was recommended to responding to areas where there was higher staff turnover and reflecting the reasons for this in the workforce strategy action plan. The voice of the child was seen as an area of particular strength. Evidence was found that children were listened to and that their input shaped services. It was felt though that consideration should be given to strengthening the evidence that of the child’s voice being used to influence plans. Leadership was seen as a strength, with a permanent, stable and committed leadership team.
Ms Hendricks reported that a ‘Getting to Excellence Board’, was to be established and there would be a range of activities developed in response to this, many of which would require the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders. This would include developing further the political engagement and there would be a range of activities in support of this, such as training for Members. Panel Members would be requested to be involved as part of this.
In answer to a question, Ms Hendricks reported that one area of concern that was identified was infrastructure. It was felt that the environment needed to be created where practice would thrive. The Cabinet Member stated that the challenge had confirmed that children’s social care was not just the responsibility of the Children and Young People’s Service. The infrastructure and external issues that could impact on care services were also significant. There was a very important role for the Panel and the Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee in asking challenging questions.