Issue - meetings

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

That the contents of the annual report be received and noted.

Reason for the recommendation

To ensure that the QARO service continued to develop and evolve to offer the best possible support and challenge to the Local Authority in meeting the needs of our children in care, and to ensure voices of children and young people in care were heard and acted upon. 

In presenting the report, the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills advised that the paper had also been considered and scrutinised by the Corporate Parenting Board on 11 December 2025.

The annual report reviewed and monitored all plans for children’s services and the evidence demonstrated that the service continued to develop and supported children to be well cared for.

In response to a question relating to support for the most vulnerable children including SEND and children with speech and language difficulties, the Cabinet Member agreed to have a conversation with the individual member outside of the meeting.

It was proposed by Cllr C Sutton and seconded by Cllr S Robinson.

Decision

That the contents of the annual report be received and noted.

Reason for the decision

To ensure that the QARO service continued to develop and evolve to offer the best possible support and challenge to the Local Authority in meeting the needs of our children in care, and to ensure voices of children and young people in care were heard and acted upon.