Issue - meetings

[To receive and comment on the Performance Monitoring Information Report.]

Emma Bennett, Director of Children’s Services presented the Performance Monitoring Report and highlighted salient points. The dashboard at appendix 1 had been updated with data as at 31 March 2019.  

It was highlighted that since 2013, the number of children and young people in care had seen its highest peak of 807 but had decreased over time. The number as at 31 March 2019 had settled at 624. In respect of the 10 – 18 cohort, it was reported that a legacy spike was moving out of the system. Extensive work had been undertaken to reduce the numbers of children and young people in care and length of time spent in care.

In respect of the analysis of placements for children and young people in care, it was clarified that external placements remained the higher cost pressures. It was noted that internal placements were less expensive and of better quality and it was positive that friends and family placements had shown a significant increase. A consistently good performance in short-term and long-term placement stability was highlighted and it was noted that work was constantly being undertaken to improve upon this. It was also highlighted that Ofsted registration for the new Key to Inspiration home had now been achieved

It was requested that indicators be added to trend placement stability over time and map average caseload over time.

In respect of education and attainment, it was agreed that for the benefit of new members, last year’s Virtual School Annual Report would be shared with the Board to inform them of the achievements of children and young people in care and work done by Wolverhampton to support them.

It was requested that numbers be expressed as a median figure for the A1 adoption timescale indicator.

Resolved:

1.    That the Performance Monitoring Report be received.

2.    That the Virtual School Annual Report 2018 be shared with members of Corporate Parenting Board.