Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from the following members of the Corporate Parenting Board: Councillor Ciaran Brackenridge, Councillor Sally Green and Councillor Iqra Tahir.

Councillor Barbara McGarrity QN declared a non-pecuniary interest as she is a Private Counsellor.

[To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 14 September 2023 as a correct record.]

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 September 2023 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

[To consider any matters arising from the minutes of the meeting held on 14 September 2023.]

There were no other matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

[To receive the Schedule of Outstanding Matters.]

Hannah Bradley, Corporate Parenting Officer presented the report on current progress on matters previously considered by the Board. It was highlighted that the Health Annual Report and meeting agenda has been ordered accordingly to give priority to the CAMHs report, with a focus on waiting times.

Resolved:

That the Schedule of Outstanding Matters be received.

[To receive the annual health report for 2022 – 2023.]

Wendy Harrison – Frazer, Consultant Psychologist from CAMHS; Rebecca Grainger: Designated Nurse for Children and Young People in Care, Black Country ICB and Dr Stephanie Simon, Royal Wolverhampton Trust jointly presented the Health Services for Children and Young People in Care (CYPiC) Annual Report 2022 – 2023 and highlighted key points. The report provided a summary of the key areas of development and outcomes achieved by local health service providers during the identified time frame, whilst also identifying the priorities for the next reporting period.

As had been requested at the previous meeting, the presentation began with the Children and Young People in Care CAMHS section of the report with a focus on referral waiting times. Wait times were outlined as around seven weeks for first appointment, around three weeks from the initial appointment to the second and the average for initial referral to second appointment around 12 weeks. It was reported that at the time of the meeting, around four children were awaiting referral.

In response to a query raised around the number of out of city children, it was noted that many children from Wolverhampton who had been placed elsewhere were being seen in the area they were currently residing in. Assurances were offered that Wolverhampton Commissioning would look to step in if nothing could be found in the vicinity where the child or young people were placed. It was noted around a third of cases were Wolverhampton children.

In respect of waiting times, it was noted that Wolverhampton compared favourably to the national average. It was confirmed that the second appointment was classed as the allocation to treatment and not the start of treatment itself.

It was noted that sufficient notice was not often given when receiving a child from out of City; data and information was requested in advance however it was a national issue. Assurances were offered that no child would be left without any care.

The Foster Parent present noted that the waiting times for therapy were not a quick fix however the support they had experienced from a foster parent perspective had made a huge difference to their family.

In response to a query around how long a child would need to wait for an allocation, it was noted it would depend on the type of therapy required and availability and two weeks was the average wait time as of the time of the meeting.

The report was commended and it was acknowledged there was still work to be done however all was moving in a positive direction.

Resolved:

That the Health Services for Children and Young People in Care (CYPiC) Annual Report 2022 – 2023 be received.

[To receive the Virtual School Head Annual Report 2023.]

Darren Martindale, Virtual School Head presented the Virtual School Head Annual Report 2023 and highlighted salient points. The report provided an overview of educational outcomes of Wolverhampton’s children and young people in care and care leavers from September 2022-July 2023, and how these have been supported by the Council, schools and other key partners. It also highlighted notable successes as well as future priorities and areas for development.

The work undertaken to support young people in these outcomes was recognised and it was noted that despite the successes, efforts would not be relaxed in order to maintain and improve upon them.

It was acknowledged by Members that the outcomes were very positive considering the trauma some children and young people in care must have experienced and noted that stability and consistency were of key importance.

It was clarified that in cases where a child remained in a school where Ofsted ratings were less than Good or Outstanding, it was usually only because the rating had changed since they had begun to attend and it would only cause upheaval to move them from where they were settled or because the setting itself had a good reputation for inclusion.

The work undertaken was commended by the Chair for the difference made to the lives of children and young people in care.

Resolved:

That the Virtual School Head Annual Report 2023 be received.

[To endorse the Annual Report of the Independent Reviewing Officer Service 2022 – 2023.]

Sarah Hartill, Safeguarding Team Manager presented the Annual Report of the Independent Reviewing Officer Service 2022-2023 and highlighted key points. The report provided Corporate Parenting Board with a statutory overview of the activity of the service, the impact for children and recommendations for service improvement that will enhance young people’s experiences.

Members noted that the examples showing officers going over and above to creatively find ways to engage and build a rapport with children and young people in care was outstanding.

Resolved:

That the Annual Report of the Independent Reviewing Officer Service 2022-2023 be received.

[To receive the Performance Monitoring Information Report.]

Jazmine Walker, Head of Children and Young People in Care presented the Performance Monitoring Information report and highlighted salient points. The report provided analytics on performance in a number of areas relating to children and young people in care. 

In respect of missing episodes, it was queried where children and young people would typically go. It was noted this was often unauthorised sleepovers, although any behaviour which could be considered risky or linked with exploitation would be monitored by colleagues in the Exploitation Hub.

A query was raised around whether 10 working days was a realistic target for updated care plans. It was noted that this was a national standard and generally felt within the service that this was the right target to strive for.

Resolved:

That the Performance Monitoring Report be received.

[That in accordance with section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information falling within paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.]

Resolved:

That in accordance with section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information falling within paragraph 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

[To receive verbal feedback on any visits to establishments undertaken by Councillors since the last meeting.]

Hannah Bradley, Corporate Parenting Officer reported that dates were now being scheduled up to March 2024. It was noted that Councillor Iqra Tahir had visited Upper Pendeford Farm and, although not present to provide an update, she had fed back that she had found it a positive experience. Councillors were encouraged to get in touch to visit or book a return visit if they wished.

Resolved:

That Councillors get in touch should they wish to visit Upper Pendeford Farm.