Agenda and minutes

There were no Disclosable Pecuniary Interests.

a)  To agree the minutes of the meeting held on 29^th March, 2018

b)  Matters Arising

The minutes of the meeting held on 29^th March, 2018 were approved .

Further to Minute 59/17 the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People had noted the recommendations of the Scrutiny Board (2) Task and Finish on Retention of Social Workers and they had been incorporated into the Workforce Development Plan.

Briefing Note of the Deputy Chief Executive (People)

Further to minute 35/17 the Scrutiny Board considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People) regarding progress with Quality Assurance and Audit Activity.

The Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement Framework articulated how Children’s Services managed and measured quality.  Improved consistency in the quality of work improved outcomes for Coventry’s children.  This supported the development of a culture that expected and valued high standards to improve the experience of users and carers.  These aspirations and standards would drive up expectations, improve learning, and strengthen outcomes and impact.  A revised Audit schedule for 2018/19 was part of the framework which was updated monthly.

The report also detailed training, management, reporting, summary of results, schedule and Ofsted.

Officers noted that expectations were raised and that results were viewed ‘through the prism of good’ and this had affected the figures.  Progress had been made however there was still more to be achieved. Notable successes included the stability of management, less reliance of agency staff and a successful recruitment to the academy.

The Board discussed the following with the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and officers:

·  The percentage of results that were ‘not good’

·  Moderation

·  Training

·  Improving recording on files

·  Middle senior leadership

·  Capability procedures

·  The speed of improvement

·  Vulnerable young people receiving a service not meeting good including Looked After Children and children with disabilities

RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Board considered the information and agreed that the Board should consider progress on Quality Assurance and Audit Activity on a 6 monthly basis

Briefing Note of the Deputy Chief Executive (People)

Further to minute 52/17 the Scrutiny Board considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People) regarding progress on the Childrens Services Improvement Plan. The information had been reported to the Children’s Services Improvement Board on 11^th April, 2018 and was based on data from February 2018.  The next Improvement Board would be held on 4^th July, 2018.

Officers discussed Ofsted and progress on the improvement journey.  The Cabinet Member discussed working with schools and Councillor Mutton noted that this was on the work programme for the Board to consider again next year.

The Scrutiny Board discussed the following issues with the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and the officers:

·  Top priorities

·  Strengthening partnerships

·  Areas identified by Ofsted as areas for further development

RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Board agreed the recommendations that after reviewing progress the Board would continue to receive regular updates and also requested that a report on partnership working be considered in the new municipal year

Outstanding Issues have been picked up in the Work Programme

The Outstanding Issues were picked up in the Work Programme.

Briefing Note of the Scrutiny Co-ordinator

The Board noted the Work Programme.

Any other items of business which the Chair decides to take as matters of urgency because of the special circumstances involved.

Vote of Thanks

The Chair thanked the Board Members, Cabinet Members and officers for their support throughout the municipal year.

Mrs Hanson on behalf of the Board thanked Councillor Mutton for Chairing the Board for this Municipal Year.