Agenda item

Anne Hawke, Performance and Quality, to present

(4.15-4.45 p.m.)

The Acting Head of Performance introduced the report which provided a summary of performance for key indicators across Looked After Children Services. This included a summary of service performance in comparison to the same period in 2021/22 and trend data, graphical analysis and latest benchmarking data against national and statistical neighbour averages (where possible).

·      It was noted that at the end of quarter three, there had been a small increase in the number of looked after children. However, compared with the same period in 2021/22 there had been a decrease. A key area of increase was linked to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) arriving via the National Transfer Scheme. This continued to be a pressure.

·      The numbers of children in care per 10000 population remained significantly higher than the national average.

·      90.4% of eligible LAC had an up-to-date plan. This was a slight decrease on the previous is performance.

·      The percentage of LAC in a family based setting has remained stable during the quarter at 77%. placement stability is an area of focus of relevant teams to prevent placement breakdowns. Work is underway to identify support needs and expanding their support offer.

·      It was noted that there had been a decrease in the number of in-house foster carer households registered at the end of the quarter. However, prospective foster families were engaged in the recruitment process. Work was underway to increase placement sufficiency.

·      In respect of youth justice services, it was noted that of 551 children looked after, eight were known to the Youth Justice Team.

·      19 children have been adopted since April 2022, which was a decrease compared to the same period in the previous year. Data was provided on average number of days and matches with adoptive families. It was suggested that the performance measures were directly linked to the court delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

·      The overall percentage of LAC having an initial health assessment within time scale has improved had improved in the year to date. Dental assessments had also improved, however this continued to be an area of focus and review.

·      92.2% of reviews during 2022/23 were completed within the time scale set. At the end of the quarter, 96.4% of visits were up to date and within time scales of the national minimum standard.

·      Termly refresh of personal education plans was at 91.9% which is a decrease compared to the autumn term 2021/22. Virtual School Advisors continued to escalate concerns and provide high levels of support and challenge to schools to ensure timely completion of PEP meeting records.

·      At the end of quarter three, there were 322 young people in the care leavers cohort which shows an increase of 31 compared to the same point in 2021. This included 20 UASC. The service was working closely with the wider partnership to ensure there was a clear pathway of support recognising the additional vulnerability of the UASC cohort.

·       Almost 75% of care leavers had an up-to-date pathway plan at the end of the quarter and 97.2% of care leavers were in suitable accommodation. 73% of care leavers were in education, employment, and training (EET). There is a steady improvement in the numbers of our young peoples actively engaged in EET.

The Chair thanked officers for the comprehensive report and its new format highlighting key performance areas.

Resolved:- That the report and the accompanying dataset (Appendix 2) be received.