Issue - meetings

To receive a report of the Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help.

That the contents of the Annual Self-Evaluation of Children’s Services be received and noted.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help presented the report stating that the requirement to produce a comprehensive annual self-evaluation framework was part the Ofsted inspection of children services. The report intended to enable Cabinet to understand areas of strength and areas for development. 

The Chairman invited non-executive members to ask questions and discussion was held in the following areas: -

·       The Chairman of People and Health Scrutiny Committee referred to the committee’s debate at its meeting on 20 April 2021; expressing concern regarding short term funding and its impact on some of the services’ provision. In response the Executive Director for People (Children) welcomed the scrutiny debate, acknowledging that there was some short-term funding. However, she confirmed that there was also significant permanent investment in early help.

·       Overall, the People and Health Scrutiny Committee supported the report and would continue to monitor performance.

·       In response to a question regarding domestic abuse, advice was given that there had been a change in provision with the numbers requesting accommodation throughout the pandemic being reduced, however there was an increase in outreach support which reflected the regional and national picture. 

Cabinet welcomed the report, noting that the scrutiny committee would continue to review the framework through the performance leadership matrix.

The contents of the Annual Self-Evaluation of Children’s Services be received and noted.