Issue - meetings

The Board received a report from the Strategic Director – People, which informed of the progress against the Ofsted Inspection Action Plan. 

It was reported that Part 1 of the Ofsted Action plan was in progress and an interim duty and assessment team had been established to ensure consistency of response and improve the quality of assessments and initial plans.  It was noted that this additional capacity would support an anticipated increase in referrals when the schools returned full time and would also support social workers with additional capacity to undertake more direct work with children and families. 

Members were also advised that:

·         Audit work had continued to review the response on cases in response to Covid-19 and the revised quality and assurance framework would be implemented as planned by end of September;

·         Eclipse, the new case recording system, was fully implemented from 6 September and a revised practice guidance on assessments had been issued;

·         The development appraisal approach for all staff using the knowledge and skills statements had been piloted and would be launched mid-September – this would inform the workforce strategy and training and development for staff to support improvements and consistency in practice; and

·         A copy of the Osted Inspection Action Plan would be emailed to Members of the Board.

Members queried the capacity to be able to take the Action Plan forward – in response it was commented that some additional capacity would be required going forward, especially considering the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic and its impacts.  Further to Members comments on previous case recording systems such as CAF, it was noted that these would cease as soon as all staff were trained on Eclipse.

Members also received a presentation informing of the steps taken to improve the sufficiency of accommodation options and support for care leavers, as part of improving the sufficiency of placement choice.  It outlined details of the project – to deliver two types of support using one provider, to care leavers in Halton in the Ashley House site. 

            Further to Members questions it was commented that care leavers at the site would have a pathway assessment carried out specific to the individual, so that their emotional and heath needs could be established.  They would also receive life skills training at the site such as budget management, shopping, how to register with a GP and dentist, banking and healthy eating.

RESOLVED:  That the report and presentation be noted.