Agenda and minutes

To consider the minutes of the previous meeting of the Corporate Parenting Panel held on 30 June 2020, and approve them as a true and correct record of the proceedings.

The minutes of the meeting held on 30 June 2020, were approved as a true and accurate record of the proceedings.

To receive declarations of interest from Members in respect of items listed on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of any part of the agenda.

The Chair confirmed that there were no items on the agenda for which it would be necessary to exclude the press and public.

To receive an update for information on the activities of the LAC Council during lockdown.

Attention was given to a report presented by the Looked After Children Participation Lead. The report included an update on activities of the LAC Council and Little LAC Club. These activities included virtual meetings and contests as well as safe in-person events that involved Looked After Children across the Borough. Thanks were expressed to volunteers and to everyone who came along to help behind the scenes to make the events a success. It was noted that funding had also been secured for care-leavers. The report was noted for information.

To receive a performance report for information in respect of corporate parenting through June 2020.

Attention was given to a performance report for Corporate Parenting through June 2020. The report included an appendix with figures comparing the current numbers against previous measurements. Figures for children entering and leaving care, moving placements, and adoptions were presented. There was only one adoption through the first few months of this measurement cycle. There have been two since then, but this number is not as high as the previous year’s 10 adoptions in quarter 1. Figures for up-to-date health assessments and dental assessments were also presented, which were not as high as desired due to lockdown. Where visits have been impossible, virtual visits have been conducted wherever possible. Numbers related to school attendance and education plans were also identified. Accommodation and pathway plan information was also presented.

In discussion, it was noted that the lockdown had placed strain on families. It was noted that Rotherham has not seen the massive increase in numbers of looked after children that other authorities have seen.

Members also raised questions around dental visit numbers, if work was being done by dentists to make the dental checks more familiar and accessible for children. The response from officers provided assurances that in the past the issue had been recording the work that was done by dentists, but that now dentists were often closed during COVID. A response was offered for the next meeting.

Members suggested that an oral hygienist be invited to visit schools. The response from officers welcomed the suggestion and stated that this would be raised in the upcoming discussions with TRFT.

Members asked if Looked After Children with urgent needs had been prioritised. Officers provided reassurances that Looked After Children have been asked to be prioritised for routine checks. It was noted that LAC nurses have been supportive in communicating to the children, particularly the older children who may be reluctant.

The report was noted for information.

To determine any item which the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency.

The Chair announced there were no urgent items of business.

The next virtual meeting of the Corporate Parenting Panel will be held on 3 November 2020, commencing at 3.30 pm.

The Chair announced that the next virtual meeting of the Corporate Parenting Panel would be held on 3 November 2020, at 3.30 pm.