Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure.

David Williams and Peter Mountstephen who are both Co-opted Members of the Panel had sent their apologies.

Ashley Ayre, the People & Communities Strategic Director had also sent is apologies to the Panel.

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest,  (as defined in Part 2, A and B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officer or a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson addressed the Panel on the subject of the proposed sale of Radstock Library. A copy of the statement can be found on the Panel’s Minute Book and online as an attachment to these minutes. A summary is set out below. She also handed in a petition signed by 80 Radstock residents.

She stated that the library had been recently renovated, was purpose built and used overwhelmingly by children and the elderly as well as job and accommodation seekers who have no access to computers of their own.

She said that it was regarded as a friendly building where the Surgery holds clinics for young mums and teenagers at risk, but more importantly, it is where Children’s Services have an essential office with two desks.

She added that it made no sense to her to dispose of a building just when Children’s Services are being remodelled and Radstock is becoming the North East Somerset ‘hub’, with even more pressure on space.

She closed by saying that as the focus would now more and more be on ‘targeted’ clients, a space where troubled teenagers feel comfortable is invaluable and therefore the library should be kept open.

Councillor Liz Hardman commented that she shared the concerns of Councillor Jackson and did not think that moving the library and its associated services would be wholly suitable.

Councillor Dine Romero, Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children & Youth said that the views expressed by Councillors Jackson and Hardman along with the petition could be fed into the consultation process.

Councillor Hardman asked if a timetable for the decision was known.

Councillor Romero said that she would find out that information for the Panel.

The Chair welcomed the comments from Councillor Romero and the Panel agreed that the petition should be fed into the consultation. She also asked for the Panel to be updated at their May meeting if not sooner on when the consultation process would begin.

The Panel confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting as a true record and they were duly signed by the Chair.

The Panel is asked to consider the School Term and Holiday Dates for the Academic Year 2015-16.

The Parent Support Services Manager introduced this item to the Panel. He explained that for the 2014-15 Academic Year the Cabinet agreed to set a calendar based on a 190 day model with 5 in-service days being taken outside of these dates. He added that this decision had not been universally popular with schools and as a result for 2015-16 the Local authority consulted on a 190 and 195 day model.

He informed them that a total of 11 schools had responded in favour of a 195 day model. A joint response on behalf of the Norton Radstock Schools also favoured the 195 day model. A number of schools suggested bringing the holiday in the 195 day model at the end of term 4 forward a week so it follows on from the two public holidays at Easter. These dates are attached to the report as Appendix C.

Councillor Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst commented that her preference would be the 190 day model shown as Appendix A.

Councillor Liz Hardman proposed that the Panel should recommend Appendix C as it offers schools a degree of flexibility and pupils would be fresher following the Easter holidays.

Chris Batten asked if Appendix C had similar dates to those proposed by other Local Authorities.

The Parent Support Services Manager replied that other Local Authorities had been consulted and he was awaiting their reply.

Chris Batten asked if when the replies had been received they would be shared with the Cabinet Member.

The Parent Support Services Manager replied that they would.

Councillor Michael Evans commented that his preferred option was Appendix C and that he would second the proposal made by Councillor Hardman.

The Chair said that she thought that Appendix C was an even hand out of dates and gave the best structure for learning. She then asked the Panel to vote on the proposal of Councillor Hardman to recommend Appendix C which had been seconded by Councillor Evans.

The Panel voted by 5 in favour and 1 against to recommend Appendix C to the Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children & Youth.

This report asks if the Panel wishes to receive an annual summary report of education results in addition to its current “early look” at results in September and November.

The Deputy Director for Children & Young People – Strategy & Commissioning introduced this item to the Panel. He explained that a report would be presented to them each March and would be a summary of key results for the year, including those of vulnerable groups such as those eligible for free school meals. He added that the report would highlight key successes and key issues. He proposed that this year’s report be submitted to the next Panel meeting in May.

Councillor Liz Hardman proposed that a fifth bullet point be added to recommendation 2.2 that read ‘Attainment of All Pupil Premium Children’.

The Panel agreed with this proposal and resolved to accept the following recommendations;

i)  The Panel will receive a report annually summarising the main results of the previous academic year. Key successes and key issues would be highlighted.

ii)  The report will cover education attainment and progress for all pupils and for vulnerable groups including:

(1) attainment in the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile

(2) attainment and progress at Key Stages 2 and 4

(3) attainment at Key Stage 5

(4) attainment of looked after children

(5) attainment of all Pupil Premium children

iii)  The Panel will receive the first of these reports at its May 2014 meeting.

The Deputy Director for Children & Young People – Strategy & Commissioning introduced this item to the Panel. He informed them that it was a statutory requirement to have a service such as this within the Council.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked what the budget was for the service and were any changes being proposed for it in the future.

The Deputy Director for Children & Young People – Strategy & Commissioning replied that he was unsure of the total budget for the service and would seek an answer for the Panel. He added that no budget changes were proposed for the service.

Councillor Sarah Bevan asked how this service differed from the work within Connecting Families.

The Deputy Director for Children & Young People – Strategy & Commissioning replied that the role of this this service was to provide general information, advice and assistance to parents and to ensure parents and prospective parents can access the full range of information they may need to support their children physically, emotionally and socially.

He added that Connecting Families sought to enable families with multiple complex needs to receive the services they need to change and to support them to achieve resilience, health and wellbeing within their community.

Councillor Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst said that she would like to see further dialogue with Sirona encouraged so that they are able to highlight services available to new parents.

Councillor David Veale commended the work of officers involved in the service, but asked where possible for the systems to be made simpler so that more people can understand them.

The Deputy Director for Children & Young People – Strategy & Commissioning replied that it was hoped that work around the Children & Families Bill, which had just received Royal Assent would enable this as it intends to make more central the needs of the child.

The Chair commented that some parents may find it difficult to accept the help offered as factors within the family may not always be that simple. She also wished to commend the work of officers within the service.

The Deputy Director for Children & Young People – Strategy & Commissioning introduced this item to the Panel. He explained that the Council’s Parent Partnership Service fulfils its statutory duty under the Special Educational Needs & Disability Act 2001 and the SEN Code of Practice (2001), to provide parents of children with Special Education Needs with information, advice and support. He added that the service provides advice to all parents of children with additional needs, including those with disabilities, from 0-19 years.

Chris Batten asked why if the number of contacts and cases had risen within 2012 / 13 had the number of Independent Support Workers decreased.

The Deputy Director for Children & Young People – Strategy & Commissioning replied that the number of hours worked had remained the same and that it was about ensuring the right level of support was in place.

The Chair thanked him for presenting the report and wished to thank the staff involved in the service for their work.

This (draft) Annual Report and Work Programme details progress with the work of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and the effectiveness of local arrangements for safeguarding children, and the individual member agencies contributions to this.

The Deputy Director for Children and Young People, Strategy and Commissioning introduced this item to the Panel. He informed them that the (draft) Annual Report and Work Programme detailed progress with the work of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) and the effectiveness of local arrangements for safeguarding children, and the individual member agencies that contribute to this.

He highlighted the key priorities of the Board for 2014 – 15:

1.  The LSCB will co-ordinate a multi-agency approach to reduce the risk of CSE (et al) (E-Safety) to Children and Young People.

2.  To increase the participation and involvement of children, young people and parents/carers in service improvements and developments.

3.i  A robust audit tool to be used to determine the quality of safeguarding and compliance with Section 11 across all member agencies required to complete Section 11.

3.ii A ‘common’ tool to be used across B&NES, Bristol, North Somerset and Somerset for co-terminus agencies working within those authorities.

4.  Sufficient and Competent Workforce to ensure Children and Young People are ‘safe’.

5.  Continuous Improvement of the LSCB.

Councillor Sarah Bevan asked if the Council was as sure as it could be that other agencies were communicating with each other.

The Deputy Director for Children and Young People, Strategy and Commissioning replied that he considered the LSCB to be a well-functioning Board that has good partnership arrangements. He added that any Board should always seek to do better.

Councillor Sarah Bevan asked if the subject of Female Genital Mutilation was on the agenda for the Council.

The Divisional Director for Children and Young People, Specialist Services replied that it was on their agenda and he had attended two meetings on the matter within the last week.

Councillor Liz Hardman commented that it was a very thorough workplan. She asked if the Panel should have been made aware of the Serious Case Review that took place in 2013 and were there lessons to be learned from it. She also asked if the resources available to the LSCB were adequate enough.

The Deputy Director for Children and Young People, Strategy and Commissioning replied that it was the role of the LSCB to handle the Serious Case Review and the Panel’s role is to receive the Annual Report to assure them that it has been dealt with. He added that lessons had been taken from the review and that he believed sufficient resources were in place for the role of the LSCB. He said that he looked at the caseloads himself on a regular basis.

Councillor Michael Evans asked if the Police were represented on the Board.

The Deputy Director for Children and Young People, Strategy and Commissioning replied that they were, among a whole range of other bodies.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the report and the proposals within the (draft) Annual Report 2013-2014 and Work Programme 2014-2015 which will determine the work of the LSCB over the coming year.

The Statutory Guidance concerning the duties of the Director of Children’s Services was revised in summer 2013.  The Guidance recommends that where the DCS role is combined with other duties a test of assurance is undertaken.  The purpose of the test is to provide assurance to the local authority that the statutory duties relating to Children’s Social Care and Education are effectively carried out and that sufficient organisational capacity is available to meet these duties properly. 

The Deputy Director for Children and Young People, Strategy and Commissioning introduced this item to the Panel. He explained that the Statutory Guidance concerning the duties of the Director of Children’s Services was revised in summer 2013 and the Guidance recommends that where the DCS role is combined with other duties a test of assurance is undertaken. 

The Test of Assurance was carried out by Bronwen Lacey a specialist consultant in Children’s Services and a former Director of Children’s Services for Plymouth Council.

He informed the Panel that the test of assurance reached the overall conclusion that our new structures, systems and lines of accountability are understood and allow the local authority to;

•  Fulfil our statutory duties

•  Be transparent about accountabilities and responsibilities

•  Support effective interagency and partnership working

Councillor Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst commented that she was surprised that the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children & Youth were not mentioned as recipients of the final report.

The Deputy Director for Children and Young People, Strategy and Commissioning replied that the recipients listed were set down from statutory guidance.

The Panel RESOLVED to;

(i)  Note the Test of Assurance Report

(ii)  Request the Strategic Director of People and Communities to:

•  Refresh the Scheme of Delegation

•  Develop a Participation and Consultation Strategy

•  Develop a Single Commissioning Strategy

(iii)  Request a second Test of Assurance on partnership and governance arrangements to be completed by March 2015.

The Scrutiny Inquiry Day was held on the 10th October 2013. Cabinet members have been asked to consider the recommendations of the scrutiny inquiry day. Their response now returns to each of the respective PDS Panels for the consideration of members.

Councillor Liz Hardman introduced this item to the Panel. She informed them that the review heard a great deal of evidence during the day. She said that the most concerning information was around the number of young people aged under 18 who were being admitted to hospital due to the intake of alcohol and that this included a large number of admissions of young people that were aged under 16.

She stated that early education on the causes and effects of alcohol harm were vital and that the role of the Council’s Drug & PSHE Consultant was key.

The Chair asked if it could be clarified if the Young People’s Substance Misuse Group would be taking the lead to focus on the topics of self-harm flagged in recommendation 1b.

The Deputy Director for Children & Young People, Strategy & Commissioning replied that they would alongside the Children & Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing Group.

Councillor Michael Evans asked if Licensed Premises within the Council could be refreshed of their responsibilities towards young people.

The Divisional Director for Children & Young People, Specialist Services replied that work had recently been undertaken with Licensing Officers to highlight the need to protect vulnerable children.

The Chair on behalf of the Panel wished to thank everybody that took part in the review.

The Cabinet Member will update the Panel on any relevant issues. Panel members may ask questions.

Councillor Dine Romero, Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children & Youth addressed the Panel.

She informed them that she had attended the Youth Parliament Elections and wished to commend the work of everyone involved as it was a successful event. She also wished to congratulate Ed Joseph on becoming the Member of Youth Parliament for Bath and North East Somerset.

She said that she had attended a music collaboration event at Wellsway School and was very proud of the music offer that schools provide to their pupils.

She spoke of the innovative schemes to enhance the wellbeing of our children that she had heard about whilst attending the Director of Public Health Awards.

The Chair thanked her for her update on behalf of the Panel.

The Panel will receive a verbal update on this item from the People and Communities Strategic Director.

The Deputy Director for Children & Young People, Strategy & Commissioning handed out the brief that had been prepared by the People and Communities Strategic Director. It covered the following topics;

1.  Children and Families Act

The new Act is in place following Royal Assent.  There will be significant changes for our social care practice and there will be a substantial financial pressure particularly in relation to the extension of foster care up to the age of 21 years.  Overall, the Act is a positive change and will improve services for children and young people.

2.  Single Inspection framework (SIF)

Ofsted have now implemented their new SIF which combines the inspection of Child Protection, Looked After Children, Fostering and Adoption Services.  The inspectors will also judge the effectiveness of our adoption outcomes and the quality of services to Care Leavers. The new SIF will last for four weeks with Ofsted HMI on site for the first, third and fourth week. 

3.  School Organisation and Capital Investment Plans

Cabinet will consider these two plans on 9 April.  The School Organisation Plan identifies the pressures within the school system related to both housing growth and underlying population growth.  Aligned to this is the plan for capital investment to deal with ‘Basic Need’ (Underlying population growth) and maintenance spend.  These will be in addition to any capital/’in kind’ contributions from housing developers which have major school place planning implications.  This has been a very challenging task and the School Capital and Organisation Team and Admissions and Transport Team have done outstanding work.

The Chair on behalf of the Panel thanked him for the briefing.

This report presents the latest workplan for the Panel.

The Chair introduced this item to the Panel. She asked if they wished to add or amend any reports that were listed on the plan.

Councillor Sarah Bevan asked for a report on the work of Apprenticeships to be presented to a future meeting of the Panel.

Councillor Liz Hardman commented that the report relating to educational results and attainment would need to be added for May. She also asked for an update on the work relating to the restructure of Children’s Centres.

The Chair considered how that information should be conveyed and asked for a verbal update at the May meeting on Children’s Centres.

The Panel RESOLVED to agree with all of the proposals raised.