Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting. As part of the introductions everyone participated in an icebreaker led by the Vice-Chair.

To receive any apologies for absence for the meeting.

Apologies were received from Nicola Cannings and Juliette Blake. Cllr S Mackrow would be joining the meeting online

To receive information on any changes in the membership of the Committee.

Note – When a member of a Committee is unable to attend a meeting of a Committee or Sub-Committee, the relevant Political Group Leader (or their nominated representative) may, by notice to the Monitoring Officer (or their nominated representative) prior to the meeting, appoint a substitute member from within the same Political Group. The contact details on the front of this agenda should be used for notifications.

Nigel Burton substituted for Juliette Blake

Councillors are requested to declare any interests on items included in this agenda. Please refer to the workflow on the preceding page for guidance.

Declarations received will be reported at the meeting.

Any other members of the Board may declare an interest for the purpose of transparency.

Cllr S Mackrow declared an interest in agenda item 8 Virtual School Headteacher Annual report as she had a family member eligible for this service.

To confirm and sign as a correct record the minutes of the Meeting held on 16 December 2024.

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 December were approved as a correct record.

The Board will receive a presentation on the thoughts and reflections gathered from conversations with young people on this issue.

The Director of Housing and Communities introduced this item and explained what had been happening in terms of the journey that the service had been in housing provision for Care Experienced Young People and a look forward into the future. The Housing Options Manager gave a presentation, a copy of which had been circulated and a copy of which appear as Appendix B to these minutes in the Minute Book. The presentation outlined the progress which had been made since the last update to the Board in the following areas:

·       Improve Practice & Assessment

·       Data & Insight

·       Consultation, Engagement and Learning

·       Embed early intervention and co-operative action across services

·       Effective housing assessment, suitable provision and choice

The Board was advised of the work which had taken place in these areas and what had been achieved to date. The presentation also highlighted feedback from a MHCLG focussed visit which took place in January 2025, work with different partners, including Homewards and the next steps for the future.

Out of area placements – it was noted that the situation was more difficult for those placed in different areas. Often CEYPs wanted to stay in the area in which they were currently living rather than moving to the BCP area. They were able to make a homelessness application in the area in which they were living but it was hoped that there could be some reciprocal arrangements put in place with other local authorities. It was noted that those living out of the area would often be more susceptible to homelessness. In order to target this there was currently a pilot in progress working with CEYP at an earlier age to put measures in place to support them to be able to avoid homelessness once they reach 18.

It was noted that there were approximately 4 CEYP each month presenting as homeless. It was noted that these were generally completely unexpected. During planning meetings each month any CEYP identified being at risk of homelessness were looked into and issues addressed.

In response to a query, it was explained that there were different types of Gold Band, including move-on Gold Band and Care Experienced Gold Band. Sometimes properties were allocated as having greater preference for care experienced young people. 1 in five properties were allocated from about 80 properties which became available across a whole year.

The number of young people presenting as homeless was concerning. It was noted that those identified as having a risk of homelessness, such as rent areas, or a family breakdown were addressed through plans put in place. However, it would be good to find ways to ensure that young people know where to go for advice and to do this in a timely way. There is a website being created at the moment to address CEYP access to young people. It was reported that young people had reported that it was difficult for CEYP to access the service.

The Board questioned why it was not possible for all CEYP to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 95.

This report serves to provide a detailed overview of the activities and impact of the BCP Virtual School during the academic year 2023-24. The Virtual School operates on behalf of the Local Authority (LA), collaborating with partners to advocate for Children in Care (CIC) in education and ensuring positive and aspirational educational outcomes.

The report outlines the future priorities and development plans for the BCP Virtual School, aiming to improve outcomes and support for a positive transition to adulthood for all Care Experienced young people.

The report is based on the LA held pupil information and results from schools. At the time of publishing, there is no comparative national data available for the academic year 2023-24. Comparative data will be available upon its publication in April 2025. By conducting comparative analysis throughout the year, we aim to identify areas where the Virtual School has significant impact and areas where improvement is needed in relation to national benchmarks. This information will guide our efforts in providing the best possible support for children in care, aligning with broader educational standards.

The Virtual School Head Teacher 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 report presented the successes of the young people in care and Care Leavers, the work undertaken by the Virtual School and the priorities for the next academic year are to be noted by the Board.  The report served to provide a detailed overview of the activities and impact of the BCP Virtual School during the academic year 2023-24. The Virtual School operates on behalf of the Local Authority (LA), collaborating with partners to advocate for Children in Care (CIC) in education and ensuring positive and aspirational educational outcomes.  The report outlines the future priorities and development plans for the BCP Virtual School, aiming to improve outcomes and support for a positive transition to adulthood for all Care Experienced young people.  The report is based on the LA held pupil information and results from schools. At the time of publishing, there is no comparative national data available for the academic year 2023-24. Comparative data will be available upon its publication in April 2025. By conducting comparative analysis throughout the year, we aim to identify areas where the Virtual School has significant impact and areas where improvement is needed in relation to national benchmarks. This information will guide our efforts in providing the best possible support for children in care, aligning with broader educational standards.

It was asked whether it was possible for Councillors to be made aware of suspensions for CIC on a more regular basis in order to ensure that the awareness is raised for Corporate Parents of this issue. Work was underway to ensure that across all staff in schools were aware of issues and that everything was being done to avoid going down the suspension route. Recently there were issues around girls in years 9,10 and 11 who had come into care recently and what post 16 options there were available to them. 

It was felt that the work of the Virtual Head and the Virtual School Team was very impressive, particularly in that they looked at alternative options and initiatives to address the situation.

The Virtual Head addressed issues raised around the communication between the Virtual School and the School, at any point the social worker or carers could contact the Virtual School Education Officer to provide support and assistance in communications with the School.

The Personal Education Plan is created when a young person enters care, an initial meeting is held within 10 days attended by social care and also normally the young person. A plan would be formulated focused around academic progress but also any support that they need within school. Personal Education Plans were part of a statutory requirement.

In response to how an increasing number of CEYPs were taking important exams like GCSEs, and many were achieving higher grades in English and Maths. It was noted that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 96.

Quarterly updating performance data summary for children in Care and Care Experienced young people open to BCP Council.

This report was provided to the Board for information. There had not been any questions or comments received in advance of the meeting and the report was therefore noted.

To consider the development and direction of the Corporate Parenting Board and to consider and amend the Board’s Forward Plan as appropriate.

The Vice-Chair asked the Board if there were any suggestions for changes to the Board’s Forward Plan. Whilst there were no specific items suggested the Board felt that it would be useful to have a more in-depth item for discussion at the next meeting. It was noted that there would need to be some discussion around how these issues were addressed.

The Board is asked to note the future dates arranged for meetings of the Board as follows:

Monday 16 June 2025 – 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Monday 29 September 2025 – 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Monday 15 December 2025 – 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Monday 16 March 2026 – 5.00pm – 7.00pm

The date of the next meeting was noted as Monday 16 June 2025.