TO FOLLOW

Councillor Maium Talukdar introduced Susannah Beasley-Murray, Director of Supporting Families, who gave a brief overview on the ongoing preparation on the upcoming inspection.

Ms Beasley-Murray outlined the extensive work undertaken, which lead to a good OFSTED rating in in 2019, following the inadequate rating given in 2017. This included the work of the Continuous Improvement Board, which is chaired by the Director of Childrens Services who oversees the improvement work. This Board considers robust quality assurance measures via data and audit. There is  a clear improvement plan and weekly and monthly detailed management reports. There are fortnightly inspection readiness meetings chaired by the Director of Supporting Families. These are conducted to ensure that children's services are fully equipped for the inspection and the service remains focused on best practice.

Information on the inspection process were outlined to the sub-committee, detailing a call to the Director of Children’s Services which will announce the inspection for the following week. Annex A data documents will be sent to OFSTED the next day, along with 12 audited cases for detailed evaluation. In the next assessment there is a new Care leaver category which will be judged.

Ms Beasley-Murray went through the presentation and then gave an update on; the number of children which are supported i.e. CIN, CP and CLA KPI’s highlighted,  the areas of focus which include the initial health assessments, care and pre-proceeding timescales and placement stability issues. The sub-committee were informed that re-referral numbers have decreased in comparison to other local authorities and that short-term placements stability have improved.

Internal scrutiny is a key factor to improved performance and robust audits, dip samples and thematic reviews are routinely undertaken. Strong relationships to support children is at the centre of the service and the Learning Academy ensures continual staff development and retention despite national shortages.

The creation of a multi-agency support team to integrate the front doors for early help and children’s social care, will assist in providing the right support for child and families within their immediate extended families. To support this aim there is support given to families to try and prevent needs escalating. 400 family group conferences take place yearly to support families. There is a ‘Edge of Care’ service and also strong early help.

External scrutiny is welcomed with two external reviews undertaken since the last sub-committee meeting. In particular, with Mark Riddell, the National Implementation Advisor for Care, who gave positive feedback on the leadership and management approach and work with care leavers. The main priorities remain tackling domestic abuse, neglect and harm outside the home, as is ensuring staff are continually trained to effectively work with families and partner agencies to care for children in the borough.

Further to questions from the sub-committee, Susannah Beasley-Murray;

·       Clarified that although high staff turnover in the sector is a national issue, Tower Hamlets has retained staff longer than other local authorities due in part that staff have stated they enjoy working in Tower Hamlets, have manageable caseloads and Learning Academy supporting career development. 25 newly qualified social workers have recently been accepted. A five year support package has been developed and 24% of staff have worked in the borough for over 10 years and staff have leadership opportunities.

·       Explained that exit interviews for staff are voluntary and there are a range of reasons for leaving. Some relate to leaving the profession after the pandemic or taking career breaks.

·       Noted that considerable work with faith groups, the voluntary sector and police is routinely undertaken to educate, prevent and intervene where necessary Programmes such as the ‘Repair Model’ and ‘Positive Change Service’ are ways to interact and Therapeutic groups, children and family centres, early help workers, partners and schools continue to work together in a multi-agency approach.

·       Explained that external assurance is welcomed to improve the service and supporting care leavers until 25 years old is integral to this. The Kit Kat Terrace late night Wednesdays now have people there to assist in education, training and employment needs for care leavers.

·       Affirmed that the recommendations outlined in the previous report are considered and evidence is provided for OFSTED's next inspection.

RESOLVED that

1.    That the presentation be noted.