Minutes:
The Chair agreed the following matters should be reported under any other business:
Ofsted Inspection
Helen Fergusson, Head of Looked After Children and Care Leavers explained that an Ofsted Inspection on SEND services would be held during the week commencing Monday 27 November, with 12 schools being visited.
Framwellgate Children’s Home
The Strategic Manager for Looked After and Permanence informed the Panel that Framwellgate Children’s Home had received an outstanding Ofsted inspection for the third year running. The Panel commended all those who had contributed to this success.
Aycliffe Secure Centre
The Panel noted that the new house at Aycliffe Centre is now open.
Children and Social Work Act 2017
The Head of Looked After Children and Care Leavers referred to new legislation, the Children and Social Work Act 2017 which received royal assent on 27 April 2017. This legislation places additional duties on corporate parents with seven corporate parenting principles. The legislation also includes guidance for implementing a local offer for care leavers and places a duty on authorities to provide all care leavers with a personal adviser up to the age of 25. Members were informed that the final consultation was due to close on 27 November and members were encouraged to inform the Head of Looked after Children and Care Leavers if they had any views they would like to include in the consultation.
Regulation 44 Visits
Positive feedback had been received from Cllr Considine following her Regulation 44 visit during which she had observed good communication and speedy access to mental health support within the establishment.
Visit to Aycliffe Centre
A visit to Aycliffe Centre will take place on 1 December. The Senior Partnership Officer agreed to make enquiries as to whether transport could be arranged.