Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services regarding the recent ILACS and the improvement support work being offered to the region.

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Children’s Services regarding the recent Ofsted ILACS inspection and the improvement support work being offered to the region.

The report was introduced and it was noted that the outcome of the inspection was that Hampshire’s Children’s Services department was now rated as outstanding across all areas. Key highlights included the endorsement of the department’s investment strategy, the high quality social work carried out by the department and the quality of early help services.

Cabinet welcomed the report, acknowledging the achievement of the department and the important role of social workers in the community. In particular the success of early help services to replace children’s centres was welcomed. Pro-active plans to sustain the outstanding performance, including through work with local universities were outlined.

With the agreement of the Leader, Councillor House addressed Cabinet, welcoming the report and agreeing that the achievements should be celebrated. He highlighted a minor concern about support for other authorities, agreeing with the principle of doing so but questioning whether there was sufficient spare capacity. 

Cabinet acknowledged the importance of having capacity to take on additional support within the sector and it was noted that an update had been received by the Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee confirming that this work could be done without detriment to Hampshire.

The recommendations in the report were agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.

To consider a Report of the Chief Executive regarding the outcome of the recent inspection of the County Council’s Children’s Services.

The Council considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 10 in the Minute Book) regarding the exceptionally positive outcome of the recent inspection of the County Council’s Children’s Services. 

Before presenting the report Councillor Patricia Stallard, the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services reassured Members that representations for children's services funding had been made to central Government and would continue to be made.  The Executive Lead Member reported that she had been in discussion with her opposite numbers across the South East and there is agreement for a collective push to keep the pressure up.

In presenting the report, the Executive Lead Member commented on the remarkable achievement the outcomes of the Ofsted report represented and demonstrated focused determination to achieve the best possible outcomes for children.  The Executive Lead Member therefore asked Members to applaud the significant contribution and quality of work of the Children’s Services Directorate.  Members signified their support and added their congratulations.

Members noted a request for Corporate Parenting to be added to the work programme of the Children’s and Young People Select Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the County Council:

a)      Noted the exceptionally positive findings of the Ofsted report and communicates the Council’s support for this to Cabinet.

b)      Congratulates the Director of Children’s Services and his officers.