Agenda item

The Panel was updated on performance and financial information for services relating to children and families.

In the course of the discussion, the following main points were raised:

SEND

·       In January 2019, the number of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) completed in time was very poor.  Since then the service had been restructured and seen significant investment.  There were now more SEN caseworkers and performance had improved, although the need to look at performance data remained.  Staffing was still not at 100% and it was proving difficult to recruit to vacant posts as they were not part of a recognised profession.

·       The latest available figures showed 68% of EHCPs completed in time which was a good return on the investment, but still needed to improve.  There was a need to look at the other 32% to identify why there had been a delay.

• It was agreed that the PI relating to the Number of Outstanding Statements (of SEND) should be removed from the PIs as it was no longer relevant.

·       It was suggested that the indicator relating to the number of students currently awaiting a special school place was not useful data and needed refining for relevance. It related to the number of requests from parents for children to attend special schools rather than the number of children assessed as needing to attend a special school.  It was also indicative of the need to build confidence in the mainstream sector.

·       The Chairman expressed concern that children with an EHCP could be home educated.  The Director of Education and Early Help informed the Panel that this group of children were a focus of ‘Missing Monday’ meetings, which looked at the suitability of the education being provided.

·       In response to a question about whether there was a need for additional special school places in the County, the CMR suggested that overall there was over-provision, although he acknowledged that there may be a disparity between the north and south of the County.  The main objective remined inclusion as far as possible.

·       It was suggested that in some cases there was a lack of trust between parents of children with SEN and the Local Authority.  It was acknowledged that the challenge was to improve joined-up working across the system and develop parents’ trust that the SEN service would work for their child.  Although the recent focus has been on those with more complex needs, graduated response guidance had now been issued to schools.  This aimed to increase understanding of what early intervention was available.

• It was clarified that the figures relating to the number of EHE pupils with SEN support related to children who were assessed as needing SEN support rather than those receiving support.  This PI would be retitled for future meetings.

Education

• Concern was expressed about the reduction in the number of secondary schools judged as good or outstanding by Ofsted.  Members were reminded about the introduction of the new Ofsted inspection framework.  Schools which had previously been judged as outstanding would now be subject to a full inspection.  The Director of Education and Early Help agreed to provide more information on why the number of good and outstanding schools in the County had dropped.
• Members asked to be advised whether schools which had been judged as inadequate would be taken over by Multi-Academy Trusts.

·       The Director of Education and Early Help agreed to confirm the County’s target for school attendance with Panel Members following the meeting.  It was confirmed that term-time holidays would be recorded as an unauthorised absence.

·       The Chairman asked how many children who were electively home educated became NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).  She went on to express concern that the Post-16 Team, which in the past had supported this cohort of children, no longer existed.  Children who had been home educated may not be equipped to go to college post-16.  The Director reminded Members that the focus was on young people who had vulnerabilities.  There was a need to ensure that, as they moved towards independence, they were able to access the right support.

·       The Chairman noted the improvement in the % of school-aged looked after children with an up to date PEP.

·       In response to a question about why the number of permanent exclusions had risen in June 2019, the Director informed the Panel that work would be done to understand who these children were and the reasons behind the exclusions.  Work was also being done on tracking schools to allow targeted work.

·       The number of pupils on part-time timetables was under-reported and, as a result, it was difficult to get the full picture.  Schools needed to be aware of their responsibilities and the vulnerabilities of these children.

Family Front Door

Performance in relation to Children’s Social Care had been discussed as part of Item 6 Ofsted Inspection of Local Authority Children’s Services Worcestershire.  Therefore, it was agreed that no further discussion was needed.

It was noted that the % of looked after children in residential placements was higher than the national average.  Members were informed that the national figures related to last year and so the comparison was not like with like.

In-Year Financial Information

The Director of Resources (WCF) reported that figures for the end of July indicated that the predicted overspend for 2019/20 was coming down.  The Directorate was doing well in managing its finances.

With reference to the Dedicated School Grant, the High Needs shortfall remained something the County Council had in common with other local authorities.  Work was ongoing with the Schools Forum on this.  The Government had recently announced an additional £700m would be available to local authorities but this only covered one year.  The Council would continue to lobby on this through the Society of County Treasurers.

The Chairman reminded the Panel that the Director of Resources (WCF) had confirmed that he was happy to attend future scrutiny meetings and Members would continue to receive the same levels of information following the launch of WCF on 1 October.