Agenda and minutes

Venue: Brunswick Room - Guildhall, Bath. View directions

Contact: Mark Durnford  01225 394458

Items
No. Item

16.

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

 

17.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE

The Chair will draw attention to the emergency evacuation procedure as set out under Note 6.

 

Minutes:

The Chair drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure.

 

18.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND SUBSTITUTIONS

Minutes:

Co-opted Panel Members Andrew Tarrant and David Williams and the Strategic Director for People & Communities had sent their apologies to the Panel.

19.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

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.

Minutes:

In relation to agenda item 10 the Chair stated that the majority of the Panel were Governors at local schools and therefore did not see a need for individuals to make a declaration in this respect.

20.

TO ANNOUNCE ANY URGENT BUSINESS AGREED BY THE CHAIRMAN

Minutes:

There was none.

21.

ITEMS FROM THE PUBLIC OR COUNCILLORS - TO RECEIVE DEPUTATIONS, STATEMENTS, PETITIONS OR QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE BUSINESS OF THIS MEETING

At the time of publication no notifications had been received.

 

Minutes:

There were none.

22.

MINUTES - 11th July 2017 pdf icon PDF 125 KB

Minutes:

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

23.

Cabinet Member Update

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

 

Minutes:

Councillor Paul May, Cabinet Member for Children & Young People addressed the Panel. A copy of the update can be found on their Minute Book and as an online appendix to these minutes, a summary of the update is set out below.

 

Academies / Multi-Academy Trusts

 

Midsomer Norton Primary School became an academy on 1st September and Farmborough CE Primary is working towards a conversion date of 1st November.  We anticipate a number of Primary Schools joining the Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust in the spring of 2018 and we know that schools in the Chew Valley area are looking to form a ‘hub’ of the Lighthouse Trust (based in Gordano). As the number of maintained schools reduces (having now fallen below 50% of local schools, hosting less than 40% of pupils) we need to consider the future role of the Local Authority in Education – both in terms of reviewing how we ensure a sustainable supporting infrastructure for the remaining LA schools and how we transition to a role which is less about supporting schools and more about being a champion of parents and vulnerable children. I will be keen to hear all stakeholders’ views as we contemplate those changes.

 

Swainswick Primary School

 

I anticipate finalising a Single Member Decision this month to commit a capital project (£723,000) to replace some very poor condition temporary buildings at Swainswick Primary School as we continue to support maintenance and replacement of the poorest condition buildings and to expand and provide new places where necessary.

 

Camerton School

 

The consultation on the proposed closure of Camerton School commences this month and the results will be considered by Cabinet in December, allowing time for a decision to be confirmed in time for formal closure in August 2018. With only 7 pupils on roll for September 2017, the remaining pupils are already attending another local school within the same federation.

 

Children’s Centres

 

I visited Parkside Children’s Centre in August to understand the issues with the building and the views of service users about the proposals to relocate the service to another site. A Single Member Decision on relocation is expected this month. We are hoping that the current Youth Offending Service offices at 12 Charlotte Street, adjacent to Parkside, can be made suitable to bring the Children’s Centre together with the Family Intervention Service from 117 Newbridge Hill in a better facility than either of them currently occupies. Youth Offending Service staff would be hosted in other Council offices and continue to see young people flexibly in a range of local venues as they do now.

 

I have also agreed to proposals for the future management of a number of other Children’s Centres, reducing our overhead costs in line with the previously agreed direction of travel.

 

Schools Forum

 

He reported that the funding for Mental Health Support within schools had reduced from £58,000 in 2015/16 to £50,000 in 2016/17 and that he would be interested in finding out the proposed allocation for 2017/18.

 

He informed the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

Cabinet Member Briefing pdf icon PDF 52 KB

24.

Local Safeguarding Children's Board Annual Report pdf icon PDF 76 KB

This report sets out for the Panel the work of the Local Safeguarding Children Board during 2016-17 and the priorities for 2017-18 work programme along with further areas to be actioned during 2018 - 19.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair wished to thank all parties concerned with the production of the report especially Reg Pengelly, Independent Chair and Dami Howard, Safeguarding Children Boards Business Support Manager. She commented that the content of the report was quite large and asked if there was any way in which it could be reduced.

 

Reg Pengelly replied that the content is largely prescribed by Ofsted, but they were looking at ways it could be reduced and for the Executive Summary to be expanded.

 

The Chair asked if in the future editions a glossary could be included.

 

Reg Pengelly replied that he was sure that one exists and that they could look for this to be included in future editions.

 

Councillor Liz Hardman gave her congratulations to the LSCB for their part in the recent Ofsted inspection. She asked what is the anticipated impact on our LSCB in light of the review of governance and safeguarding assurance arrangements as the Children and Social Work Act 2017 abolishes the requirement for Local Authorities to establish LSCBs in their current form.

 

Reg Pengelly replied that a Government review of LSCBs and Serious Case Reviews had been carried out and the recommendations that were made had been accepted. He added that the two main components of the review were Scrutiny and Co-ordination.

 

He explained that statutory guidance was due possibly towards the end of the year, but more likely in the Spring of 2018 and that on receipt of this there would be a huge amount of work to do.

 

He thanked Councillor Hardman for her praise in relation to Ofsted and said that he believed that they had made a fair judgement. He also wished to praise the quality of the partnership bodies across the local area and all of the officers who are willing to work to the upmost of their ability.

 

Councillor Michelle O’Doherty commented that the number of Children in Need had risen from 580 to 684.  She asked why had this figure increased so dramatically and what extra resources are needed to deal with this.

 

The Divisional Director for Safeguarding & Social Care replied that demand had increased across the country for young people in need of Child Protection Plans or Fostering. He added that at this stage there was no indication for a need to request further resources as the figure locally was projected to normally be 650 – 700.

 

Councillor Matt Cochrane asked where and when is it planned to put together an action plan to address the three Ofsted recommendations.

 

Reg Pengelly replied that the LSCB were already aware of the issues raised by Ofsted and were carrying out a thorough process in relation to child sexual exploitation and training for licensed premises. He added that in terms of data this was an area of frustration and the Board were looking to address this within the next 12 months. He said that the inclusion of further information within the Annual Report was recognised, and had been added within the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

25.

Schools Organisation Plan Update pdf icon PDF 63 KB

This report gives an interim update on the position regarding primary school places in the Authority as at June 2017 up to 2020.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Matt Cochrane asked if the proposed expansion of Bathwick St Mary C of E Primary School by 105 places to accommodate pupils generated by the MoD Warminster Road development was sufficient.

 

The School Organisation Manager replied that discussions had taken place regarding an expansion of 210 places, but as the development has only just begun the figures would be kept under review.

 

Councillor Matt Cochrane asked where further developments were planned that would have an impact on school numbers.

 

The School Organisation Manager replied that a full review of the plan would be brought to the Panel in Spring 2018. A report would come to the Panel in March followed by the Cabinet in May. She added that all schools will be sent future projections when known to allow them to plan accordingly.

 

Councillor Matt Cochrane asked what impact is the free school and academy agenda having on officers’ ability to plan school places over the next three years.

 

The Head of Education Transformation replied that the main issue of concern was that as academies they have the ability to change their admission numbers individually. She added that the majority of them have sought the view of the School Organisation Manager.

 

The School Organisation Manager added that good working partnerships exist across the Local Authority with both Schools and Academies

 

Councillor Michelle O’Doherty asked when the new school within Bath Western Riverside would be built.

 

The School Organisation Manager replied that the development of the school was linked to occupation of dwellings on the site and that the figure concerned had not yet been reached.

 

The Chair asked how the opening of Abbot Alphege Primary School at the former MoD Ensleigh site had gone.

 

The School Organisation Manager replied that there had been a good intake for the reception class and that a mixed age class was also being run at the present time.

 

The Chair asked about the progress of the Mulberry Park Primary School at the former MoD Foxhill site.

 

The School Organisation Manager replied that it is under construction and will open in September 2018.

 

The Chair asked about the opening of the Somerdale Educate Together Primary School.

 

The School Organisation Manager replied that it has opened with a reception class of 30 and some Year 1 places.

 

The Panel RESOLVED to note the report.

26.

Connecting Families Update

The Panel will receive a presentation regarding this item.

Minutes:

The Divisional Director for Safeguarding & Social Care gave a presentation to the Panel regarding this item. A copy of the presentation can be found on their Minute Book and as an online appendix to these minutes, a summary of the presentation is set out below.

 

Connecting Families Criteria

 

·  Parents, young people & children involved in crime or ASB

·  Children & young people who have not been attending school regularly

·  Children & young people who need help

·  Adults out of work or at risk of financial exclusion & young people at risk of worklessness

·  Families affected by domestic violence & abuse

·  Parents, young people & children with a range of health problems

 
Measures of success

 

·  Family members in work (for 26 weeks plus)

·  Children and young people in the families regularly attending school  and doing well ( Attendance 90% for 1 year )

·  Reductions in youth crime and anti-social behaviour caused by the children and young people within these families (reduction of 33 % over 6 months)

·  Reduction in domestic abuse within these families  (reduction of 50 % over 6 months)

·  Reduction in mental ill-health and families are healthier

·  Reduction in the numbers of children admitted to care/ staying in care

·  Increase in effectiveness and timeliness of child protection measures where needed

·  Reduction in substance / alcohol abuse

·  Parents are being better parents and C&YP are ready and fit for school

 

Key principles of family support

 

·  We may need short or long term help and support from services when we face life’s difficulties or challenges.

·  We want support to be practical, hands on and professional.

·  We want workers to listen to us and be supportive.

·  Want workers to work with us in partnership, sharing power and decision making.

·  Want workers to promise what they can achieve and keep their promises.

 

Payment by results & outcomes

 

·  We are requested to work with 700 families by 2020 (140 per year). To date we have attached 527 (and been paid for) against our target of 452 so we are exceeding our target in this area.

·  We have claimed 212 payments by results to date, against our target. Which means we are 9/152 LA’s and 2nd against benchmarked areas of a similar size.

·  We have not yet had a Spot Check from National audit, however we receive an internal audit every time we claim to ensure we are making robust claims

·  Ofsted said that Connecting Families provides an outstanding service, with excellent direct work with children. An annual family feedback report demonstrates the impact of this service, ranging from practical support, such as gaining employment and maintaining housing tenancies, to confidence building and improved relationships.

 

Next Steps

 

·  The programme’s transformation funding encourages whole family with a clear focus on stretching outcomes agreed with local partners, so the management team are focusing on:

 

o  Work with Social Care to improve step down to Early Help Services

o  Encouraging all Early Help Services to carry out Think Family work

o  Improved links with adult Social Care and other Adult Services

 

o  To maintain  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

Connecting Families pdf icon PDF 144 KB

27.

People and Communities Strategic Director's Briefing

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

Minutes:

The Divisional Director for Safeguarding & Social Care gave a briefing to the Panel on behalf of the Strategic Director for People & Communities. A copy of the briefing can be found on their Minute Book and as an online appendix to these minutes, a summary of the briefing is set out below.

 

Exam results

 

With the main A-level and GCSE results being released to schools and pupils in August, we have begun to collate and analyse the overall local picture of performance. This is made more complex by the changes to the grading system with GCSE grades A-E being progressively replaced with numbers 1-9. Once a more comprehensive analysis has been carried out of all schools data, we will be able to report in detail, including key measures such as narrowing the gap for pupils eligible for Free School Meals across all the reporting key stages.

 

Bath Community Academy (BCA)

 

Every pupil who was in Year 9 last year, moving into year 10, has been offered a place at another local school. Plans are being finalised for the process for identifying and allocating places for the current Year 8 and 9 pupils to transition to new schools for Year 9 and 10 in September 2018.

 

Work has also commenced to prepare for conversations about the future use of the BCA site, once the Academy vacates in August 2018. This includes a review of the current usage and condition of the buildings on site; conversations with existing tenants of parts of the site, including GLL and Bath Spa University; work to develop a specification for a new Special School, which is a priority need for Bath and North East Somerset and could potentially be located at the BCA site; and a bid to secure additional resources to support the development of a vision for the future of the site, through the One Public Estate initiative (Cabinet Office/LGA). We hope to hear the outcome of that bid this month and will be developing a timeline and process for engagement and development of a vision for the future of the site, which will be shared with the Panel in due course.

 

Youth Connect

 

A successful bid to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has secured funding of £20,000 to enable the Youth Connect service to assess the potential to create a staff mutual to take on the delivery of Youth Connect. This will run alongside wider engagement to look at options for the future delivery model in collaboration with local community organisations.

 

An event was held in the Community Space, Keynsham with local groups who might like to work with the Council regarding Youth Services. A further event is planned for late November with those that have submitted an expression of interest.

 

Councillor Liz Hardman commented that she supported the Staff Mutual proposal.

 

The Divisional Director for Safeguarding & Social Care said that this would not deliver an answer by itself which is why other groups have been approached. He added that an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

Directors Briefing pdf icon PDF 44 KB

28.

Panel Workplan pdf icon PDF 109 KB

This report presents the latest workplan for the Panel. Any suggestions for further items or amendments to the current programme will be logged and scheduled in consultation with the Panel’s Chair and supporting officers.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Liz Hardman said that she felt that the public need to be more aware of difficulties of the provision of the Youth Service and proposed a report to the Panel for November.

 

The Chair recalled from the discussion earlier in the meeting that the School Organisation Plan was scheduled to come to the Panel in March 2018.

 

The Chair proposed whether the Panel should hear formally from the School’s Forum in November, especially with regard to School Funding and the Medical Needs policy document.

 

The Panel RESOLVED to approve these proposals.