Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills.

Decision

That the contents of the Annual Self-Evaluation of Children’s Services for May 2024 be noted.

Reason for the decision

The requirement to produce an Annual Self Evaluation was part of the Ofsted Inspection Framework of Children’s Services.  The report to Cabinet provided members with an overview of progress and highlighted strengths and areas for development for the next 12 months.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills presented a report that provided oversight and assurance that Dorset effectively discharged its statutory duties within children’s services. Every year, each local authority must undertake a self-evaluation against the published inspection criteria focusing on the experience and progress of children who need protecting and providing an overview of education and learning outcomes for children and young people. 

The Cabinet Member took the opportunity to highlight the council’s strengths and the hard work taking place within the service.

In response to questions, the Executive Director for People (Children’s) advised that she was hopeful that the funding for the ‘Pathfinder’ opportunity would continue beyond the autumn. If it didn’t, that would present the Council with budget challenges. However, children’s services would continue to strive to provide the best options and value for the service.

Responding to questions around the Chickerell Camp provision and the local primary schools, the Executive Director for People (Children’s) advised that the families staying at the camp had “entitled persons status” but that they had not been expected to stay in this temporary provision for as long as they had.

Unfortunately, the current arrangement did not provide for any additional funding and moving these families into more settled homes was proving to be challenging. However, the service would continue to support these families at their point of need and discussions were taking place with the MOD to ensure that these families received the best possible support.

In response to a suggestion by Cllr S Clifford, members agreed that a cross-party letter be sent to central government seeking fairer funding for Dorset schools in respect of this issue.

It was proposed by Cllr C Sutton seconded by Cllr R Holloway

Decision

That the contents of the Annual Self-Evaluation of Children’s Services for May 2024 be noted.

Reason for the decision

The requirement to produce an Annual Self Evaluation was part of the Ofsted Inspection Framework of Children’s Services.  The report to Cabinet provided members with an overview of progress and highlighted strengths and areas for development for the next 12 months.