Agenda item

B&NES had a full Ofsted Inspection in 2017 under the Single Inspection Framework (SIF). Ofsted accessed B&NES to be GOOD overall, with some areas for further improvement. The aim of this paper is to provide the Panel with assurance that areas for further improvement have been fully considered, that changes have been made and as a result, standards have been retained or improved.

The Director of Children & Young People introduced this report to the Panel. She explained that B&NES had a full Ofsted Inspection in 2017 under the Single Inspection Framework (SIF) and that Ofsted assessed B&NES to be GOOD overall, with some areas for further improvement. She added that the report details our improvement journey to date since 2017, ensuring that a consistently high-quality service is provided to keep vulnerable children and their families safe and supported in B&NES.

She highlighted to the Panel the recommendations from 2017 Single Inspection Framework and the areas for improvement as described in the  Ofsted Focused Visit for Care Leavers in November 2019.

She stated that in relation to the recommendations and areas for improvement, the service had recently revised the Quality Assurance Framework setting out our values, standards and the range of assurance activity; providing a structure and further supporting the work of the Service Improvement Board (SIB). 

She informed the Panel that a new moderating process for audit activity was introduced which was aimed at supporting a consistent application of Ofsted gradings in service audits, whilst also raising the quality standard of auditing from which to draw learning. All managers, Heads of Service, the Director, Principle Social Worker and some IRO’s carry out bi-monthly audits around agreed areas of practice and findings are disseminated across the service and taken to the Service Improvement Board.

She explained that a review of the front door system post inspection was undertaken that informed changes, processes and functionality. She added that this is now being further improved with the help of an internal cross-council Improving How We Work Project that is working with the Service to streamline and support better access to the right level of support at the right time more easily for individuals and professionals alike. 

She said that the Ofsted Focused Visit for Care Leavers in 2019 validated progress in several areas for our Care Leavers since the SIF inspection 2017.  Inspectors noted that the quality and timeliness of visiting and intervention had improved, keeping in touch arrangements are successful and the introduction of a dedicated Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking (UASC) worker was also recognised as a great resource by inspectors with exciting possibilities ahead for this aspect of the service.

She stated that the Virtual School had worked tremendously hard to reduce the number of fixed term exclusions for Children in Care and that this number has reduced but remains an ongoing area of focus for the team. 

She informed the Panel that Children’s Social Care have a successful ASYE programme for newly qualified social workers and a good retainment rate on completion of this programme, although across the service generally, recruitment remains a challenge. She added that it is hoped that the re-design will not only support better outcomes for children and their families but will also be more effective at supporting staff satisfaction and wellbeing impacting on staff retainment.

She said that colleagues in the Commissioning Service are also driving improvements in relation to oversight of our Early Help services and holding the service to account in relation to the Service Level Agreement, ensuring high quality services are available to support families in B&NES meeting the need at the point of contact and preventing escalation.

She stated that the key areas of focus in the Service Improvement Plan for 2020 is to build upon good practice already in place and enhance service areas which have been highlighted either by learning from local feedback, QA activity, National learning or from Inspection.

Councillor Paul May commented that the report highlights the good work of the service area and praised the Director of Children & Young People, Corporate Director and all staff involved.

Councillor Andrew Wait said that through working in education for a number of years he knew how difficult it was to work with those young people who were NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) and said that he felt this was an area that the Council will need to work on. He added that he would be interested in receiving the information described as Annex A (data information required for inspection) dry runs.

The Director of Children & Young People replied that she was aware of the potential impact that Covid may have on training for young people and that she could provide Annex A as requested.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson asked how the Panel can be assured that Social Workers have a manageable caseload and effective management supervisions.

The Director of Children & Young People replied that the redesign of the Service has reduced caseloads directly and in terms of supervision, regular 1-2-1s are held alongside Team Management meetings. She added that reflective case discussions are also held as well as bi-monthly audits.

Councillor Jackson asked how child protection plans are being improved.

The Director of Children & Young People replied that they are now being co-produced with families and Social Workers together and that where possible Family Group Conferences are pursued.

Councillor Jackson asked does the unifying framework avoid drift and delay.

The Director of Children & Young People replied that it is very much the aspiration of the Service that it will enhance the model that we offer.

Kevin Burnett commented that whilst acknowledging the level of detail within the report he would have a welcomed a summary of targets for quick reference.

The Panel RESOLVED to;

(i)  Recognise the continuous, formal and co-ordinated approach to Service Improvement

(ii)  Receive this general progress report, and specific update on areas that Required Improvement in 2017

(iii)  Note the work undertaken in preparation for the next Ofsted Inspection.