The Strategic Director Children’s Services will submit a report

(Document “AK” ) which provides Executive with a progress update in respect of improvements identified within the Ofsted Improvement Plan, namely:

1.         Ofsted October 2019 monitoring visit outcome, progress and continued      challenge.

2.         Programme approach, planning and identified projects in Phase One         for innovation and improvement.

Recommended –

That Executive notes the contents of Document “AK”

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Children’s Services

(Irfan Alam - 01274 432904)

Resolved–

That the contents of Document “AK” be noted.

ACTION: Strategic Director Children’s Services

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Children’s Services

(Irfan Alam - 01274 432904)

The Strategic Director Children’s Services submitted a report

(Document “AK”) which provided Executive with a progress update in respect of improvements identified within the Ofsted Improvement Plan, namely:

1.         Ofsted October 2019 monitoring visit outcome, progress and             continued challenge.

2.         Programme approach, planning and identified projects in Phase     One for innovation and improvement.

The Strategic Director stated that the letter indicated areas of strength and that it was a positive platform from which to build on.  He alluded to the reformed structure within the Service and that a more coherent approach was now in place for children moving through the system.  The plan in place going forward was recognised by Ofsted as being sufficiently robust and some good social work practice being seen.

It was highlighted that the next monitoring visit would be at the end of February, with two further monitoring visits planned thereafter, with a full inspection expected late 2020/2021.

The Leader welcomed the progress made by the service.

A Unite Union representative was present at the meeting and stated that the service lacked resilience to make the necessary changes; that staff morale was low, working conditions were poor and that there was a feeling that nothing would change despite changes in management; that Unions were kept in the dark and that there were failings on a number of fronts.

In response to a question on recruitment and retention, it was stressed that there needed to be a period of stability and less reliance on agency staff and all the signs were that forthcoming recruitments would yield positive results.

The Strategic Director added that recruitment and retention of Social Workers was a national issue.

The Children and Families Portfolio Holder stated the following the visit by Ofsted, the overall picture of the services to children in Bradford was an improving one; however it was acknowledged that this was very much an improvement journey and challenges remained.  In addition the pressure in terms of  the numbers of looked after children remained and it was important to ensure that the voice of the child was central to our approach.

Resolved–

That the contents of Document “AK” be noted.

ACTION: Strategic Director Children’s Services

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Children’s Services