To review the committee’s work programme 2019/20, review the executive responses to task and finish groups undertaken in 2018/19 and agree terms of reference for proposed task and finish groups in 2019/20.    

The committee considered a report containing its work programme 2019/20, the executive responses to task and finish groups conducted in the previous council term and terms of reference for task and finish groups proposed in 2019/20.

It was noted that the report concerning a review of performance and progress against the safeguarding and family support improvement plan 2019/20 was not presented to the current meeting and it was agreed that it would be brought to the next meeting of the committee on 25 November.

It was requested that a correction to the work programme was undertaken to change the title of the spotlight review to peer on peer abuse in schools and that a further proposed spotlight review was added to the work programme concerning speech and language therapy.

The committee reviewed and noted the executive responses to the task and finish groups conducted in the previous council term.

The committee considered and agreed the terms of reference for the peer on peer abuse in schools spotlight review. It was agreed that Councillor Carole Gandy would act as chairperson of the review and the membership would include: the members of the committee; Councillor Peter Jinman and in accordance with the terms of reference any other member expressing an interest. As part of the review it was requested that an anonymous case study was presented concerning a case of peer on peer abuse that resulted in a successful prosecution. The committee also considered whether a victim of peer on peer abuse should be invited to the spotlight review to give evidence. This was not supported by the committee which had concerns regarding the potential trauma caused to such a witness appearing at a meeting in public to provide evidence and the potential implications on any current or future criminal proceedings.

The committee considered and agreed the terms of reference for the child exploitation task and finish group. It was agreed that Councillor Diana Toynbee would act as the chairperson of the group and the membership would include Councillors: Paul Andrews; Peter Jinman; Mike Jones; and David Summers. In accordance with the scoping document co-optees from voluntary/charitable organisations and a member from the general scrutiny committee would be sought.

RESOLVED: That the committee agrees:

·         the 2019/20 work programme subject to the correction and reallocation of the report above and notes the executive responses to the tasks and finish groups concerning SEND Provision, PRU Referrals and Court Judgements;

·         the terms of reference for the peer on peer abuse in schools spotlight review, the appointment of a chairperson and its membership as outlined above; and

·         the terms of reference for the child exploitation task and finish group, the appointment of a chairperson and its membership as outlined above.