To receive a verbal update from the Vice-Chair on the Corporate Parenting Partnership Board from the meetings of 30th June and 8th September, 2026.
Minutes:
Councillor Brent provided an overview of the last two meetings of the Corporate Parenting Partnership Board held on 30th June and 8th September, 2026.
The meeting of 30th June, 2026 was opened by the Vice Chair, Stuart Williams, Service Director for Children's Social Care who presented the current work programme and highlighted priorities for future meetings, including aspirations for care leavers, the IRO Annual Report, the Fostering Annual Report and the Children’s Takeover.
Members received the Voice and Influence Annual Report, which showcased key achievements during 2025/26. Updates were provided on celebration events, the work of the In-Care Voice and Look Ahead groups, advocacy services, Youth Cabinet elections, Youth Parliament activities, Young Inspectors and Young Journalists. The report demonstrated the wide-ranging impact of young people's involvement in shaping services and communications.
The Board received a performance update on children in care, care leavers and fostering services.
Members reviewed performance trends and improvement activity across areas including care entry and exit, placements, health, education, reviews, adoption, youth justice and support for care-experienced young adults.
The Service Director reported progress against the CPPB Action Plan, with 31 of 41 actions completed and most remaining actions on track. Two delayed actions were linked to unforeseen technical barriers. A refreshed action plan was presented, focusing on Health, Housing, Education and Skills, Homes for Children in Care, and Key Transitions, underpinned by the voice of children and young people. Members emphasised the need for priorities to deliver tangible improvements.
The Board also received an update on foster carer recruitment. Young people shared powerful messages about the importance of being listened to, understood and involved in decisions affecting them. The fostering service outlined its approach to recruiting, assessing and supporting carers, with a strong focus on relationships.
Members noted positive feedback, including 96% of carers reporting support for their emotional wellbeing and almost all carers feeling well prepared through training.
Finally, the Board received the latest Ofsted inspection report for Liberty House, which was rated Outstanding. This meant all of Rotherham’s children's homes were judged Good or Outstanding.
At the meeting of the 8th September the Board received the final draft of the new Rotherham Care Leavers' Charter, which set out commitments from the Council and partner organisations to support care leavers present to Cabinet on Monday 14th September, 2026.
The Board received the annual report of the IRO Service, which provided independent oversight of care planning for children in care and then went on to consider the annual report on fostering services.
Members discussed the ongoing national challenge of recruiting foster carers and the importance of local foster carers for local children.
The Board then also reviewed Quarter 1 performance information with the Service Director sharing the Corporate Parenting Priorities for 26/27 and the action plan that would support progress over the coming year. Each priority would have an allocated Lead Officer and Champion Member.
The Board also received an update in relation to the priority area in relation to ‘celebrating success’ which was matched with a wonderful presentation from young people (brothers) who shared their experiences and successes.
Members noted the fantastic progress that had been made. The Children in Care Celebration Event had been an excellent occasion, with a strong turnout of children and professionals. However, it was noted that only one other Councillor had been in attendance. As corporate parents, all Councillors were encouraged to make every effort to attend such events and demonstrate support for children in care. It was suggested that this could be incorporated into a refresh of Corporate Parenting training.
It was pointed out, however, that some Councillors had not been aware of the event and that it would be helpful for invitations to be issued more formally in future.
The Cabinet Member advised that invitations had been sent to Corporate Parenting Partnership Board Members, but not more widely. Those who attended agreed that it had been a successful event and it was suggested that extending invitations to a wider group could help increase attendance in future.
The Cabinet Member also agreed to take greater responsibility for promoting the event amongst Councillors once the date had been confirmed.
Resolved:- That the update be received and the contents noted.