To update the Cabinet and formally report the outcome of the recent 2008 Annual Performance Assessment (APA) inspection of Children’s Services.

The Cabinet Member Children’s Service introduced the report on the outcomes of the recent 2008 Annual Performance Assessment (APA) inspection of Children’s Services and informed Cabinet that good progress had been made since the last APA.  The Cabinet Member stated that it was encouraging to note that it had been assessed that the Council’s capacity to improve its services for Children and Young People was good.

In presenting the report to Cabinet, the Director for Children’s Services informed Members that the APA results demonstrated that the authority had built on its past experiences which included progressing out of Government Office intervention in the Autumn 2007.  The Director echoed the Cabinet Member’s sentiments that it was pleasing to note that the service had capacity to improve and that it had been acknowledged that the Directorate was making stepped progress.

Members’ attention was drawn to the five outcomes in the report which also reflected the work of other partner organisations.  It was recognised that whilst progress had been achieved, it was important not to be complacent and that continued improvement would be sought in working with partners across all outcomes, with a particular focus around safeguarding. The Director advised Members of the introduction of new systems that had been put in place following a miscalculation (relating to a family of three children) which resulted in a substantial negative impact on the authority’s performance in relation to the Child Protection Register.  It was recognised that safeguarding currently had a national profile, however the Director sought to assure Members that regardless of the national profile, safeguarding was of high importance to the authority and that working practices and systems were being assessed to ensure their robustness; safeguarding was everyone’s responsibility.  The investment and introduction of the Frameworki IT system which monitored and supported the process of casework had provided the added benefit of maintaining and motivating social workers, however it was acknowledged that whilst the authority was actively working towards meeting the target for the recruitment of social workers this was a known area of national shortage.

The Chief Executive, in responding to a question posed by a Member in attendance, stated that no authority could give categorical assurance that a tragedy such as had been recently related in the national press would not occur in their area, however it was incumbent on the authority to ensure that systems and processes worked together with good staff to support all children who have Child Protection Plans and to ensure that they had access to a range of services. 

Responding to a comment relating to the recruitment of social workers the Leader reminded Members that the authority had been innovative in their method of recruitment, however, he stated that the adverse publicity relating to the role of social workers may have an impact on what was an already acknowledged shortage.  It was emphasised that whilst it was important to retain a sense of balance on such issues, it was essential that vigilance be maintained and that social workers continue to be supported and encouraged in their role.  The importance of the Criminal Records Bureau checks was also highlighted.

The Director of Children’s Services, responding to a query from a Member in attendance, stated that social workers were encouraged to seek a second opinion if they deemed it necessary.  Colleagues were encouraged to foster a transparent approach to their work which was further supported by training opportunities.

The Cabinet Member Children’s Services reminded Cabinet that all councillors were Corporate Parents and had specific responsibilities to fulfil within that role.

The Chairman of SMC welcomed the vast improvements highlighted within the APA, however he drew Members’ attention to the fact that the attendance of looked after children was weaker than in similar councils and that there were high levels of dissatisfaction amongst young people with the range of local activities and places for them to go.

The Leader expressed sadness that the bureaucratic processes aligned to volunteering was a factor in the decline of the number of individuals willingly giving their time to support activities attended by young people.

In responding to a question posed regarding a written plan for youth, the Director of Children Services stated that the expectations placed on the Youth Service provision had changed and a dialogue on next steps was being progressed.  Members were advised that the Government agenda had moved dramatically from universal availability, to that of a more targeted, interventionist approach focussing on needy children.  It was acknowledged that whilst the Youth Service budget was relatively small, it had been historically underspent, due in most part to establishment costs.  The Cabinet was also reminded of the extended schools initiative where a variety of services and support were delivered locally.

In supporting the important focus of the authority in safeguarding and the role of social workers in particular, a Member in attendance emphasised the need to ensure that the fundamental systems and processes were in place and that they were robust.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate, Customer Services and Human Resources praised the work of the Directorate but drew attention to the fact that not all Members, herself included, considered themselves to be Corporate Parents as they were not fully aware of the responsibilities which accompanied such an important role.  Training was required to clarify the role of Councillors in their role as Corporate Parents.  In addition, the Cabinet was advised that it was important to engage in constructive and meaningful dialogue with schools, which did not, under the provisions of the Act, have to be represented on the Children’s Trust; such dialogue was especially important with the development of the locality teams.  The Cabinet Member commented that the extended schools initiative may not be delivering services and support consistently across the county and suggested that this disparity be looked into.  In reflecting on the review of the Youth Service, the view was expressed that as the service was cross-cutting in its nature that Directors, through the Joint Management Team, be tasked to consider some blue sky thinking on the issue.

Responding to comments raised, the Director advised Members that within Herefordshire, schools were proactively involved with the Children’s Trust and that safeguarding was high on the agenda.  Cabinet was advised that historically funding to support the extended schools initiative came from the Department for Children, Families and Schools and that once delegated to schools funding had been spent in differing ways.  The Director took on board the specific comments relating to the disparity of service provision under the extended schools initiative.

The Chairman of Children’s Services Scrutiny Committee commended the APA report and the work done to achieve such improvements.  It was emphasised that safeguarding was the responsibility of all and that there was a need to ensure that regular monitoring and evaluation took place.  The Chairman advised Cabinet that during a recent conference on  Adult and Children’s Services, recruitment and retention of social workers was a recurring concern expressed by delegates.  The approach fostered by the authority, working with the University of Worcester, to develop potential social workers was commended and expressed the need to encourage potential interest in the profession.  Members were informed that the Directorate’s performance indicators were regularly monitored and that a seminar for all Members would be co-ordinated in the future.  In relation to the youth service, the Member stated that she and the Committee would await with interest the changes proposed. 

RESOLVED that:

(a)   Cabinet note the content of the report and commend staff and partners on the progress made this year.

(b)   Cabinet note the areas for improvement for the coming year – particularly safeguarding – in preparation for the forthcoming anticipated CAA inspection in 2009.