This report and its appendix set out the annual report of Tower Hamlets Local

Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB), which is a statutory requirement under the Children Act 2004 and Working Together to Safeguard Children Guidance 2015. The annual report sets out the Board’s governance arrangements, key safeguarding information and response to the Ofsted Review of LSCB undertaken in February 2017.

The Committee received a presentation that set out the annual report of Tower Hamlets Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB), which is a statutory requirement under the Children Act 2004 and Working Together to Safeguard Children Guidance 2015. The annual report outlined the Board’s governance arrangements, key safeguarding information and response to the Ofsted Review of LSCB undertaken in February 2017.

The questions and comments from Members on the report may be summarised as follows:

The Committee:

• Noted that OfSted had undertaken a review of the LSCB in February 2017 and found it be ‘inadequate’ as it was 'not discharging all of its statutory functions’. It was described to have a number of shortfalls including the LSCB Performance Dataset, which did not sufficiently focus on core business and its priorities, nor was it able to monitor the quality of front line practice;
• Was informed that the LSCB had accepted Ofsted’s judgement and findings and as a result, the annual report is limited in its ability to reflect the full range of activities undertaken by the Board and partner members and demonstrate it has been able to keep all children safe from harm.  This condensed report excludes analysis of its performance in 2016-17. Focusing instead on explaining how the LSCB will respond to the findings of the OfSted Review and its future direction;
• Was advised that the LSCB will ensure that next year’s report will provide a full and detailed account of the areas of improvement and demonstrate it is able to challenge and hold its partners to account;
• Noted that the Board maintains a Risk and Issues Register, capturing risks as identified by a member agency or the LSCB Independent Chair. The LSCB Chair and Executive Board members monitor the risks, mitigation and remedial actions.  The LSCB Chair will escalate risks causing significant partnership concern or difficulties to the chief executive or senior officer of the relevant agency. The LSCB Chair updates the Council’s Chief Executive of the LSCB risk register at quarterly one-to-one meetings.
• Asked for details of the Housing Representatives on the LSCB?
• Requested details of the numbers of children who have been made the subject of a care order and LBTH therefore has the legal responsibility for them.  In addition, details of their educational attainment together with any concerns regarding their criminality;
• Noted that the Lead Member would be happy to invite the Councillors and the Education Co-Optees to any future LSCB training.

ACTIONS:

What information are we collecting on Looked After Children that informs the Council (as their corporate parent):

• How many LACs there are?
• Their school attainment?
• Details of the Housing Representatives on the Board
• Any criminality concerns?
• Invite OSC Councillors and the Education Co-Optees to LSCB training events?