Minutes:
The Panel considered the report of the Head of Children’s Social Care which provided a monthly update on Regulation 44 visits and regulatory body ratings (for copy see file of minutes).
In response to a question from the Panel regarding the capacity of the external provider market, the Strategic Commissioning Manager commented that a significant rise in the number of children’s homes across the country has led to a rise in the number of organisations delivering independent Regulation 44 visits, with the provider market being in a healthy position.
The Chair assured the Panel that the situation is kept under constant review.
In response to a question from the Panel referring to the options for the future delivery of Regulation 44 visits, the Head of Children’s Services clarified that reciprocal arrangements with another local authority had been rejected. The preferred option is a private provider, with the necessary expertise to ensure that the regulatory requirements required by Ofsted are maintained.
Resolved:
That the report be received.