Agenda item

The Director of Children’s Social Care, Early Help and Prevention submits a report to inform the Commission that, as part of the Inspection of Local Authority Children’s Services (ILACS) framework, the local authority is required to produce an annual Self-Evaluation Form (SEF). The SEF provides an assessment of the quality, impact and effectiveness of services delivered to children, young people and families.

The Director of Children's Social Care and Early Help submitted a presentation on Leicester Children's Services Self Evaluation Framework (SEF), which had been prepared in advance of the annual engagement meeting with Ofsted.

Officers explained that the SEF formed part of the three-year Ofsted inspection cycle and provided an opportunity to reflect on performance over the previous 12 months, identify areas for improvement and outline priorities for the year ahead. It was noted that following the engagement meeting, Ofsted would issue a narrative letter identifying strengths, evidence of progress and areas requiring further focus.

In discussion, the following was noted:

• The vision and priorities for Children's Services had been aligned with the wider Social Care and Education department, with a focus on empowering children, young people and families through connection, care and partnership working. The Families First reforms formed a key part of this approach.
• The city's demographic profile, including levels of deprivation, population mobility and diversity, continued to influence service demand. Officers highlighted the importance of ensuring services remained inclusive and culturally sensitive.
• Children and young people's participation continued to be promoted through a range of engagement activities, including the Young People's Council and Takeover Day initiatives, helping to ensure their views informed service development.
• Quality assurance activity showed that around 60% of audited cases were currently assessed as good, with a small proportion judged outstanding. Where practice required improvement, action plans and follow-up audits were used to support continued development.
• Placement stability for children in care remained positive, with only a small percentage of children experiencing three or more placements over a two and a half year period and the majority benefiting from long term stability.
• Re-referral rates remained relatively low, whilst the majority of care leavers were living in suitable accommodation despite ongoing pressures within the housing sector. Challenges remained around increasing participation in education, employment and training for care leavers.
• Questions were raised regarding the number of children subject to Child Protection Plans. It was noted that Leicester had historically experienced higher levels of demand than many authorities due to deprivation and wider social factors. Recent increases had been reviewed and continued to be closely monitored.
• Partnership working with schools and health services remained a priority. Work was continuing to strengthen early help provision through schools, family hubs and community based support, reducing reliance on statutory intervention where appropriate.
• Progress had been made against the areas for improvement identified at the previous Ofsted inspection, including strengthening care planning, improving consistency of practice and increasing management oversight.
• The Families First reforms continued to be implemented, with a focus on earlier intervention, improved partnership working and better outcomes for children and families.
• In response to questions regarding workforce capacity, it was reported that agency staff numbers had reduced in recent years and that recruitment of overseas social workers had strengthened the permanent workforce. Agency staff continued to provide flexibility to cover vacancies, maternity leave and periods of increased demand.

AGREED:

1)    That the presentation be noted.

2)    That comments made by members of the Commission be taken into account by lead officers.