Children’s Social Care Performance Cover Report (Item 7a), Data Report (Item 7b) and Explanatory Document (Item 7c)
Minutes:
The Following witnesses were welcomed to the meeting:
Mel John-Ross, Service Director, Children’s Social Care & Safeguarding, BMBC
Cllr Margaret Bruff, Cabinet Spokesperson – People (safeguarding)
The Service Director introduced this item and gave an overview of performance indicators for children’s safeguarding and social care up to the end of November 2018. It was reported that although there are no significant changes and performance remains good across children’s social care, there are some seasonal and monthly fluctuations. Barnsley’s rating for adoption is ‘outstanding’ but there is always more to do.
A Member was concerned that there has been a rise in the number of children who are subject to a child protection plan. Members were reassured that this is still within acceptable levels and may be due to the Neglect Strategy raising awareness of what constitutes neglect. Levels will continue to be closely monitored.
The recent Ofsted inspection was incredibly positive across all areas and highlighted the significant progress that had been made in Barnsley. Thanks were expressed to Elected Members for their support and respectful challenge. The Inspectors made recommendations around contextual safeguarding, employment and education for care leavers, timeliness of child protection conferences and work with neighbouring authorities on children missing from care. An all member seminar on contextual safeguarding is planned to take place after the local elections in May.
RESOLVED that:
(i) Members note the report, and
(ii) Witnesses be thanked for their attendance and contribution.