39 Children's Social Care Improvement Journey – progress update
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Members received an overview report of
progress at theirmeeting on 8 June and requested further updates in
order to satisfy themselves that progress was being maintained.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The DfE Improvement Advisor for
BCP and Interim Corporate Director, Children’s Services
presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each
Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes
in the Minute Book.
The Committee received an
overview report of progress at its meeting on 8 June 2021 and
requested further updates in order to be satisfied that was
progress being maintained.
The Committee discussed the
report and comments were made, including:
- In
response to a query regarding fixed term exclusions, the Committee
was advised that the figures being discussed had been disrupted by
Covid and need to be viewed against the increase in elective home
education which meant the figures were disproportionate at this
time
- The
Chair was pleased regarding the enquiry into inclusion and
investigating the increase in home schooling and the reasons for
that. The Committee was reassured that
all children and families who had opted for home schooling were
being supported and visited by an experienced officer.
- A
Committee Member acknowledged and appreciated the amount of
improvement work that had been undertaken to date, and the
Committee was involved that the teams had made a lot of progress
with commitment and satisfaction. The
service as a whole still had work to do to boost staff morale due
to a number of aspects including the wider organisation due to many
different factors
- In
response to a query regarding Mosaic IT system, the Committee was
advised that the integration was being progressed at pace as part
of the transformation programme.
- The
teams are generally happy places with commitment and satisfaction.
Issues come with service as whole. LGR – staff still waiting
for permanent structure. Aspects of wider organisation which causes
concerns for some staff. Need to resolve corporate culture. Think
moral could be an issue across other newly formed Councils –
focus over next 6.12 months.
- In
response to a query regarding children at risk of sexual
exploitation and the Committee was advised that the service was now
better at identifying profiles which had led to an increase in
reported figures
- In
response to a query between agency and vacancy gaps and rates, the
Committee was advised that the role would be advertised on receipt
of notice from an employee.
- Clarification was provided around Mosaic was showing cases
unallocated, there was a gap between someone leaving and being
reallocated
- Workforce stability and a link with house prices and job
salaries. Housing stock and market is not a significant issue, more
work life balance and professional development.
- In
response to a query why staff would choose to remain as agency, the
Committee was advised that some prefer it because they can earn
more and leave quickly, some are converted to permanent employees
and some are agency because there work is not the greatest
quality.
The Chair summarised the
discussions as follows: