Agenda item

The Strategic Director of Social Care and Education submits a report providing an update on performance in social care and education and information on monitoring and improving quality.

The Strategic Director for Social Care and Education submitted a report and presentation providing an update on departmental priorities, progress against performance ambitions and Quarter 1 performance for the period April to June 2026.

The Strategic Director introduced the report and advised that it had been developed to provide greater transparency around departmental priorities and performance. The purpose of the report was to support effective scrutiny and challenge by providing a high-level overview of key areas whilst enabling members to explore issues in greater detail where required. It was noted that the department remained ambitious in its approach, seeking to achieve the best possible outcomes for children, young people and families across the city.

In discussions with Members, the following was noted:

• The self-evaluation framework was highlighted as an area where further scrutiny could support the improvement plan, particularly in relation to assessment practice and service performance.
• Financial pressures within Children's Social Care continued to be affected by increasing numbers of children remaining in the care system for longer periods whilst awaiting court decisions. The impact on placement costs was noted and it was suggested that the Placement Sufficiency Strategy be brought back to the Commission for further scrutiny.
• Transition arrangements between Children's Services and Adult Social Care remained an area of focus. It was acknowledged that young people required appropriate accommodation, support and opportunities as they entered adulthood and that further joint working across services would be beneficial. The importance of hearing and reflecting the views of children and young people as part of this work was emphasised.
• Concerns were raised regarding overspends linked to care leaver accommodation and placement costs. Educational outcomes were also discussed, particularly GCSE English and Mathematics attainment, given the importance of achieving Grade 4 qualifications for future education, training and employment opportunities. Additional information was requested regarding outcomes for looked after children.
• Whilst the cohort remained relatively small, overall progress continued to be positive and work was ongoing to improve outcomes for looked after children and care leavers. Partnerships with businesses across the city were supporting opportunities in education, employment and training for young people up to the age of 24.
• A positive example was shared of a care-experienced young person achieving three A grades and progressing to study medicine at university. The importance of recognising and celebrating the achievements of children and young people was noted. Members were also advised of the forthcoming Celebration of Success event.
• An update was provided on the Family First reforms, including proposals to bring together family help and child protection arrangements through integrated Family Help Teams. The changes would strengthen family group decision making and early intervention, with further national guidance expected regarding Lead Child Protection Practitioner arrangements.
• Work was continuing with health and police partners to develop locality-based approaches and named contacts within cluster areas. Learning from pilot activity elsewhere was being used to shape local implementation, with further Family Hub-based pilots planned.
• The importance of community-based support and building resilience within local communities was highlighted. Investment of approximately £400,000 per annum in community-led family support services was noted, with procurement activity currently underway.
• Workforce development remained a priority, with leadership and performance programmes supporting managers, strengthening resilience and embedding continuous improvement. Further work on workforce development and change management was planned during the autumn.
• An update was provided on the use of Microsoft Copilot and Liquid logic. Early progress had been made in exploring how technology could support frontline practice, including notetaking and recording activities. Whilst implementation remained at an early stage, there was potential to support report writing, quality assurance and case recording, enabling practitioners to spend more time working directly with children and families.

AGREED:

1)    That the report and presentation be noted.

2)    That the report from the Virtual Head to be shared with members, including information on school grades.

3)    That a progress update on the implementation and use of Artificial Intelligence and associated technologies within Children's Services be brought back to the Commission in six months' time.

4)    That a joint meeting of the Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission and Children, Young People and Education Scrutiny Commission be arranged to consider transition pathways between Children's Services and Adult Social Care.