Agenda

To issue a welcome to those present, and to confirm if there are any apologies for absence.

Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed.

The minutes of the meeting of the Children, Young People, and Education Scrutiny Commission held on 8^th April 2025 and 22^nd May 2025 have been circulated, and Members are asked to confirm them as a correct record.

The Membership of the Commission will be confirmed and noted.

Members will be asked to note the meeting dates of the commission for 2025-26:

18 June 2025

19 August 2025

28 October 2025

20 January 2026

3 March 2026

14 April2026

The Commission will be asked to note the Terms of Reference.

The Chair is invited to make any announcements as they see fit. 

Dr Nizamuddin Patel asks:

1. Ofsted's latest report for children's services states LCC 'requires improvement' in every area.  Whereas our neighbouring council Leicestershire County Council has received 'outstanding' in all areas bar one. Is your department planning on working with the county to share good practices to

improve LCC children's services?

2. Ofsted have stated that the overall effectiveness of the department has declined since its last inspection in 2021. It also notes that there is not enough challenge from managers or that they 'were not sufficiently sighted on issues'. Have senior leaders considered 'open door' policy for any level of their staff to speak with them openly?

3. Further to this, will senior leaders consider emailing/contacting parents and other professionals involved with children's social service on a regular basis with a simple feedback form/questionnaire to gauge an understanding of how well the service is currently operating and if there can be any

improvements to the service?

4. There is a national shortage of skilled social workers. I understand council has plans of international recruitment. However, what perks or additional benefits do LCC give domestic social workers which will entice them to continue working with LCC?

5. From exit interviews with social workers leaving LCC, what are the 3 most common reasons of them leaving? Can this be mitigated?

Any petitions received in accordance with Council procedures will be reported.

The Lead Scrutiny Directors of the Commission to outline the service areas that form part of the commission.

The Strategic Director of Social Care and Education and the Director of Children’s Social Work and Early Help will give a presentation to the Commission outlining the vision for the development of services in Leicester in response to the governments reforms to children’s social care known as the Families First programme

The Strategic Director of Social Care and Education submits a report to the performance dashboard that will be provided quarterly as means of overseeing performance and identifying areas for further scrutiny.

The Director of Children’s Social Work and Early Help submits a report on the Children’s Social Care, Early Help and Prevention Improvement Plan.

Members of the Commission will be asked to consider the work programme and make suggestions for additional items as it considers necessary.