Agenda item

The Committee received a report of the Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services which provided an introduction to the Children and Young People’s Service and an overview presentation (for copies see file of minutes).

The Chair welcomed the Head of Children’s Social Care, Helen Fergusson, the Head of Education and Skills, Jim Murray, and the Head of Early Help, Inclusion and Vulnerable People, Martyn Stenton and asked each to give an overview of the work within their areas.

The Head of Education and Skills noted areas of responsibility within his part of the service included providing services to secure standards and improvement in schools and other places of learning, including adult learning.  He added that key support services also include school and governor support, school admissions and transport, school capital programme, as well as DurhamWorks.  He noted challenges included: mobility, with some children having moved school up to seven times; an increase in home schooling as a consequence of the pandemic; and education moving into recovery, with pupils in County Durham having grades around two-thirds of a grade lower at Key Stage 4, impacted further by the pandemic.  He explained as regards Ofsted ratings for schools in the county, with primary schools performing very well with a number greater than the national average with a good or outstanding rating, however, the number of secondary schools with a good or outstanding rating was below the national average.  The Head of Education and Skills noted that there had been recent improvements with recent Section 5 inspections being very good.  He noted other issues including: Academy Status; difficulty recruiting teachers for some subjects, for example mathematics; Safeguarding; school sustainability; elective home education, including links to colleges to support; and the Virtual School, for Looked After Children.

The Head of Children’s Social Care noted areas of responsibility within her part of the service included to support and safeguard children in need of care and protection, as well as those children who were looked after with residential, fostering, adoption and supported living services.  She added there was also the provision of services to children with a disability and young people who leave care.  She noted that at any one time around 3,800 children in County Durham would have a social worker, with the primary aim being to work to provide support so they could remain safe at home.  The Head of Children’s Social Care explained as regards the work of Families First Teams within communities, the robust process in terms of Child Protection Plans, the small number of cases that lead to care proceedings, and the Care Leavers’ Service.  She noted the safeguarding and professional practice, including the Social Work Academy to support newly qualified social workers and noted the responsibility in terms of reviewing all social work plans. 

She explained as regards: the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO); the regional adoption agency, Adopt Coast to Coast; and the Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership Board.  The Head of Children’s Social Care noted that there were around 400 new referrals to County Durham social workers each month and noted the partnership arrangements in place and working with the families to build positive relationships.  The Head of Children’s Social Care explained as regards the inspecting Local Authority services for children (ILACS), with Ofsted as regulator, with full inspections being on a three year cycle.  She noted in addition there were focussed visits, annual conversations with Ofsted and joint targeted area inspections (JTAI) from time-to-time.

The Head of Children’s Social Care noted priorities included: high quality relationships between social workers and families; embedding the ‘Signs of Safety’ model across services; an ambition to be the best employer for social workers in the region, in part to help with recruitment; continued support via the Social Work Academy; and development of a Leadership Academy, based on the Social Work Academy to support front-line and middle managers.  She noted new innovative services, including working with the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) in relation to complex mental health to help prevent hospitalisations and the new Adolescent Safeguarding and Exploitation Team (ASET).

The Head of Early Help, Inclusion and Vulnerable People explained areas of responsibility within his part of the service included: to ensure early

help for children and families; helping to tackle child poverty and supporting

programmes such as ‘Fun with Food’; support for young people who have

offended and victims of crime; educational psychology; special educational needs

services (SEND) and Aycliffe Secure Children’s Unit.  He added that the service had four main groupings: Aycliffe Secure Children’s Unit, which was also linked to the Corporate Parenting Panel; the County Durham Youth Justice Service, which included links with partners from Police, Health and Probation, and scrutiny via the Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee; and SEND / Inclusion, noting one in seven pupils having SEND, and with around 3,800 having an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).  He noted the work in terms of early help, including the One Point service, the Stronger Families Programme and tackling child poverty.

The Head of Early Help, Inclusion and Vulnerable People explained as regards the inspection frameworks in place, noting for Aycliffe Secure Children’s Unit that was by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with the Unit having retained its ‘outstanding’ rating at the latest inspection.  He noted in respect of the Youth Justice Service, inspections were carried out by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation and for SEND services they were carried out by Ofsted and the CQC, with the last being carried out in 2020, with a new framework expected.  He noted that the Early Help work fell under the ILACS inspections, with annual meetings with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government as part of the Supporting Families Programme and annual conversation with Ofsted. 

The Head of Early Help, Inclusion and Vulnerable People explained as regards the work services did in partnership, with county and regional partners, with each service having a dedicated strategic partnership, and he noted work with the community and voluntary sector, colleges, health, probation, Government Departments, and other national agencies, such as the Youth Justice Board.  He noted service highlights included Aycliffe Secure Children’s Unit’s ‘outstanding’ rating following a recent Ofsted inspection and the Youth Justice Service winning a CYP NOW Family Justice award for its parenting support work.  He added that Early Help was one of 14 such services nationally that had obtained ‘earned autonomy’, enabling more flexibility with funding, including supporting adults into employment.  He explained as regards: the adoption of ‘signs of safety’; ‘Fun with food’ providing healthy food and activities and supporting parents over what can be a difficult holiday period for families and in preparing for school in September in terms of the cost of uniform; and significant progress with the partnership work to support children and young people with SEND, strengthened since the last Ofsted/CQC inspection, with a multi-agency action plan.  He noted there were concrete plans to address the challenges with funding though the Higher Needs Block.

The Head of Early Help, Inclusion and Vulnerable People noted that challenges included: how to recover from COVID-19, including poverty within families; supporting children to be safe, happy, and settled in their education, noting the disruption over the last 18 months of the pandemic, with further potential for disruption; and the ongoing challenge with SEND and funding through the Higher Needs Block of the Dedicated School Grants.

The Chair thanked the Heads of Service and asked Members of the Committee for their comments and questions.

Councillor O Gunn thanked all the officers and staff that worked in Children and Young People’s Services and asked as regards the flexibility in the timings of Ofsted school inspections as a consequence of the pandemic. The Head of Education and Skills explained that in terms of the inspection schedule, HMI had noted they were around five terms behind.  He added that a number of schools were in a difficult position, carrying an ‘inadequate’ or ‘requires improvement’ rating and explained that inspections would be welcomed by those schools as they had moved forward since those ratings had been given.  He noted secondary schools had struggled with the new framework around Progress 8, particularly across the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects.  He noted that more recent inspections had been more curriculum than progress driven, and he felt that was a fairer playing field for schools to be successful.  He explained that with primary schools there had been a number of focussed reports nationally as regards subjects such as history and geography, and some schools were struggling with that curriculum knowledge and planning.  He noted the service was well equipped to support the primary schools in the county, however, some schools with mixed year group classes may find it a challenge.

In response to a question from Councillor O Gunn relating to the challenges for Children’s Social Care as a consequence of the pandemic, the Head of Children’s Social Care explained that there had been a huge amount of contingency planning, in terms of staff potentially become ill or requiring to isolate, which had been working well.  She noted last year as a result of lockdown virtual visits had been carried out with all children in care, with a flexible model being in place.  She noted that the last six weeks had been a particular challenge in terms of staff absence due to self-isolation, and while it was hoped to be able to move back to delivering services face-to-face, if that was not possible then some could be delivered virtually.  In respect of residential care, Head of Children’s Social Care noted that area had the most challenge in terms of workforce, and work was ongoing with the Cabinet Member and Legal Services in terms of potential critical worker exemptions and daily testing regimes.

Following a question from Councillor O Gunn in relation to funding for the Youth Justice Service, nationally and locally, the Head of Early Help, Inclusion and Vulnerable People noted he could share the Youth Justice Plan, which showed an increased grant this year from the Youth Justice Board.  He added that the Council had added funding, with the Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner (PCVC) and Health providing staffing and support and noted that it was fortunate that in Durham there were strong partners and funding.

Councillor C Bell noted she was surprised at the number of parents that had chosen to educate their children at home asked as regards the support for those parents.  The Head of Education and Skills noted that the pandemic had impacted upon the number of parents wishing to educate their children at home and added that a number were now reintegrating, with around 65 over the last six weeks.  He noted there was support from colleges in terms of curriculum and the service would look to support and follow-up with parents as regards issues, including safeguarding.  He added legislation in terms of a register for those children where parents had elected to home educate would make the process more robust with further information in the coming months.  In response to Councillor C Bell, the Head of Education and Skills noted that when speaking with those parents, officers were not allowed to make judgement in terms of quality.

Following a question from Councillor C Bell relating to North Durham Academy, the Head of Education and Skills noted as an Academy it was not a Local Authority maintained school.  He added that there was a good relationship with the Academy, and he understood that North Durham Academy had appointed a new management team, from a previously successful school, and the new Head Teacher was making a positive difference.

Councillor M Walton thanked the officers for all the work carried out by their teams, made more difficult by the pandemic on top of existing challenges.  She asked as regards the number of children being educated at home and whether there was any statutory inspection in terms of their home schooling. 

The Head of Education and Skills explained there were around 930 children being educated at home, noting the 65 that had recently reintegrated, adding there was no statutory inspection.  Councillor M Walton asked as regards the challenges for those children that had, as previously mentioned, moved school up to seven times, and whether there were any common themes.  The Head of Education and Skills noted there were various issues, and one was where families moved between Local Authority areas, with issues such as Local Authority housing provision.  He noted the impact that could be made on picking up on speech and language issues and noted there was a team in place in terms of school transfers for secondary, however, primaries remained the priority as they had the higher number of pupil movements.

In response to a question from Councillor M Walton relating to the number of social workers and caseloads, the Head of Children’s Social Care explained that Council policy was for caseloads of around 22 at any one time, not only to be manageable for each social worker, but to also be a manageable level for teams and Team Managers in addition.  She noted demand over the last 8-12 weeks had increased, with referrals back to pre-pandemic levels, and also children were staying in the system longer.  She added that the situation was monitored very carefully, with the aim being for 60 percent of social workers to have a caseload of 20 or fewer, currently at around 50 percent, and she would provide details as regards the number of social workers.  Councillor M Walton noted the importance of retaining social workers and was pleased to hear as regards the Social Work Academy, she asked how long newly qualified social workers (NQSW) could access the academy.  The Head of Children’s Social Care explained that NQSW would be placed within a team, as well as be in the Social Work Academy, alongside the national scheme of ‘assisted and supported year of employment’.  She added that they would be within the Academy for one year, have monthly meetings with their Team Manager, as well as monthly meetings via the Academy, effectively fortnightly supervision.  She explained that NQSW would have protected caseloads when joining the Authority working up to eight cases, following an induction period, then increasing to 12, and after the year moving to a more standard caseload.  She explained that over the year a NQSW would need to produce a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate they met the required competencies.

Councillor M Walton asked as regards ILACS gradings and commended the service and Cabinet Member, T Henderson for the recent briefing note that had been circulated to Councillors relating to children in poverty.  The Head of Children’s Social Care noted last ILACS assessment was September 2019, and the overall grading was ‘requires improvement’ with the individual elements being: Children in Care, ‘good’; children requiring help and protection, ‘requires improvement’; and leadership and management, ‘requires improvement’.  The Head of Early Help, Inclusion and Vulnerable People thanked Councillor M Walton and noted feedback was always welcome and helpful as regards the balance of information or any topics that Councillor may find useful for future briefings.

Councillor L Mavin asked as regards the Ofsted ratings for all the schools and information year on year, and whether an annual report could be provided to the Committee.  The Head of Education and Skills noted he would work on an appropriately detailed dashboard for Members, to include a number of the key figures discussed, such as the number electively home educated children.

Councillor A Reed noted her thanks to the officers for their presentation and that it was clear there were very high standards, as evidenced by Aycliffe Secure Children’s Unit’s ‘outstanding’ rating.  She noted the reference to some children moving schools up to seven times and asked what work was being undertaken in that regard.  The Head of Education and Skills noted that Headteachers had bought into the process and were looking at interventions where they were concerned about a child moving.  He reminded Members that disadvantaged children were on average two-thirds of a grade behind the national average and noted that those children that moved school five times or more were on average two grades behind the national average.  He added that accordingly it was a priority and officers were looking at how to support those transfer meetings.

Councillor A Reed noted the 400 referrals to social workers and asked as regards the impact of the pandemic and how the service would be able to cope.  The Head of Children’s Social Care noted that 400 referrals for social work assessments did not necessarily generate 400 cases, rather some were signposted to other services as appropriate.  She added that referrals were a priority and were assessed as soon as possible to determine the level of risk to that child and what course of action would be required.  She noted that agency social workers were utilised during busy periods, though other Local Authorities were also looking to do the same.  The Head of Children’s Social Care noted that currently there were 302 full-time equivalent social workers and team management on the establishment, across all areas, including the Fostering Service and frontline social workers.  Councillor A Reed asked if the average caseload of 22 per social worker was for full-time equivalent, the Head of Children’s Social Care confirmed it was, with an accordingly reduced caseload for those working part-time.

Councillor A Reed explained she had previously visited the Aycliffe Secure Children’s Unit and had been impressed by the Centre Manager, Selwyn Morgans, and the positive engagement with the young people.  She noted the Unit received children from different parts of the country and asked what impact that restrictions due to the pandemic had in terms of when children were ready to move on from the Unit.  The Head of Early Help, Inclusion and Vulnerable People noted that the pandemic was an ongoing challenge for the Aycliffe Secure Children’s Unit and other residential children’s homes with young people having to isolate for 10 days upon admission.  He added that wellness packs had been produced and provided for the young people and the operation of the school within the Unit was carefully managed with ‘bubbles’, the only school in the county that had remained open throughout the pandemic. 

He noted that there was careful management in terms of when children were ready to leave and move on and added that challenges included visits from social workers, youth offending team and families, with some having to be conducted virtually.  He noted that the Unit was working at a reduced capacity in order to be able to operate safely. 

Councillor J Miller asked as question on behalf of Councillor S Townsend who had been unable to attend the meeting.  He noted that the Government had announced the second round of 50 school building projects and Councillor S Townsend had expressed her frustration that the Shildon Greenfield School site was in a state of disrepair and not been included in that second round for much needed funding.  He explained Councillor S Townsend had previously asked officers as regards the schools rebuilding project and it had been confirmed that it was a decision made by Government in terms of which schools were included and that Local Authorities had no say in where the funding was directed.  He noted that the question from Councillor S Townsend was whether this was still the case for the second round of funding and if the Local Authority had been involved in choosing schools, how was that determination made.  The Head of Education and Skills noted it was still the case that it was a Government decision, with condition surveys having been carried out by the Department for Education in 2015.  He reiterated that Local Authorities had no influence over which schools the Government would include.

In response to a question from Councillor R Charlton-Lainé, the Head of Education and Skills noted that teachers within maintained schools were supported by a range of networks across subjects and explained that one of the priorities across all was mental health support.  He added that this included session for Headteachers and leadership teams, as well as for School Governors.  He noted there was a great deal of change in the area of support and development, with an increase customer driven focus.  He noted engagement with Trusts, in particular those with Behaviour Hubs, as those could be a source of stress and mental health, being one of the more challenging areas.  The Head of Education and Skills noted there were attempts to influence Ofsted in terms of timings, noting he felt some Section 5 Inspections at the end of the year were at a time when schools had been facing additional constraints.  He added that he felt the new inspection schedules were going to be stressful for staff, including languages, and the future of inspections was going to be tough and therefore the network of subject support needed to be strong to help give teachers confidence.

Councillor C Hunt noted the information as regards the impact on children when moving school and asked what provision was made when placing children in short-term foster care in respect of keeping the children in their existing school.  The Head of Children’s Social Care noted there was a clear policy, and those children would stay in their existing school if feasible, adding that in the vast majority of cases it was feasible.  She added that while that may require a period when there is additional travel, it was felt that maintaining relationships with friends and teachers was important. 

She noted that when children had a plan of permanence then a careful decision on whether a change of school was appropriate would be made.  She added that if children were in an exam-year they would not move school, transport would be provided to ensure the continuity of education provision.  The Head of Children’s Social Care explained that all of that activity was organised through the Virtual School, with all children in care going to school in addition they had a Virtual Headteacher, working within the Education and Skills Service, who had responsibility for all children in care including looking at which schools were most appropriate for those children.

The Chair noted the number of full-time equivalent social workers and how caseloads may fluctuate, and he noted the aim to be the best Local Authority for social workers to work at in the North East.  He asked what was being done in terms of retention and also agency social workers, given the key was to establish relationships with the young people.  The Head of Children’s Social Care noted that agency social workers were used to cover maternity leave, long term sick, or to temporarily fill a post, and therefore they would be employed for a number of months rather than weeks and accordingly there would be that level of continuity.  She noted that there were around 30 agency staff currently and it was a situation that was monitored very carefully.  She added that in terms of retention, there had been a significant reduction in the turnover of staff, with incentives including targeted support/interventions and she could provide more details at a future meeting, however the headline was that the situation was very positive.

Resolved:

That the report and presentation be noted.