Local democracy

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - City Hall, Bradford. View directions

Contact: Jill Bell / Yusuf Patel 

Items
No. Item

49.

DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST

(Members Code of Conduct - Part 4A of the Constitution)

 

To receive disclosures of interests from members and co-opted members on matters to be considered at the meeting. The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.

 

An interest must also be disclosed in the meeting when it becomes apparent to the member during the meeting.

 

Notes:

 

(1)       Members may remain in the meeting and take part fully in discussion and voting unless the interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an interest which the Member feels would call into question their compliance with the wider principles set out in the Code of Conduct.  Disclosable pecuniary interests relate to the Member concerned or their spouse/partner.

 

(2)       Members in arrears of Council Tax by more than two months must not vote in decisions on, or which might affect, budget calculations, and must disclose at the meeting that this restriction applies to them.  A failure to comply with these requirements is a criminal offence under section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. 

 

(3)       Members are also welcome to disclose interests which are not disclosable pecuniary interests but which they consider should be made in the interest of clarity.

 

(4)       Officers must disclose interests in accordance with Council Standing Order 44.

 

Minutes:

No disclosures of interest in matters under consideration were received.

50.

MINUTES

Recommended –

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 7 September and 2 October 2021 be signed as a correct record (previously circulated).

 

(Jill Bell / Yusuf Patel - 01274 434580 434579)

 

Minutes:

Recommended –

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 7 September and 2 October 2021 be signed as a correct record (previously circulated).

 

ACTION: City Solicitor

51.

INSPECTION OF REPORTS AND BACKGROUND PAPERS

(Access to Information Procedure Rules – Part 3B of the Constitution)

 

Reports and background papers for agenda items may be inspected by contacting the person shown after each agenda item.  Certain reports and background papers may be restricted. 

 

Any request to remove the restriction on a report or background paper should be made to the relevant Strategic Director or Assistant Director whose name is shown on the front page of the report. 

 

If that request is refused, there is a right of appeal to this meeting. 

 

Please contact the officer shown below in advance of the meeting if you wish to appeal. 

 

(Jill Bell / Yusuf Patel - 01274 434580 434579)

Minutes:

There were no appeals submitted by the public to review decisions to restrict
documents.

 

52.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE

To note any recommendations to the Executive that may be the subject of report to a future meeting.  (Schedule to be tabled at the meeting). 

 

 (Jill Bell / Yusuf Patel - 01274 434580 434579)

 

Minutes:

Corporate overview & Scrutiny Committee 14 October 2021

 

FIREWORKS SCRUTINY REVIEW

Resolved –


1. The Committee agreed the findings and recommendations contained within
report and also agreed the following additional recommendations:


- This Committee requests that the Leader write to events venues across the
District, reminding them of their responsibilities in relation to fireworks
being used by individuals who are hiring their premises for events;


- This Committee requests that the Executive asks Council officers to
undertake legal action with the powers available to them, where there is
evidence against those individuals who are inappropriately using fireworks.

 

NOTE:  In  noting the receipt of the above recommendation the Community Safety Portfolio Holder thanked the Chair of the Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Committee for the thorough review that had been undertaken and noted that tougher legislative powers were required to protect people and communities.

 

 

LEADER OF COUNCIL & CORPORATE

(Councillor Hinchcliffe)

53.

PROTECTING VULNERABLE CHILDREN & ADULTS AT RISK OF EXPLOITATION pdf icon PDF 231 KB

The report of the Chief Executive (Document “H” which contains Not For Publication Appendix E) provides an update on the contemporary strategic response to all forms of exploitation of children and adults at risk of exploitation and how partners from The Bradford Partnership – Working together to safeguard children and the Bradford Safeguarding Adults Board work to drive continuous improvement and to hold agencies to account for their work on this subject. This report also outlines the challenges presented to the partnership following the global pandemic – Covid 19 and the current update on progress made to the Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Thematic Review recommendations published on July 27, 2021.

 

The Bradford Partnership and Bradford Safeguarding Adults Board have produced their annual reports cover the period April 2020 – March 2021

 

Appendix E – Is exempt under paragraph 7 (Crime Prevention) Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972

 

Recommended -

 

(1)       The Executive is invited to note the report

 

(2)       The Executive commit to working closely with partners to Continue to raise awareness of exploitation of both adult and children

 

(3)       The Executive commit to working closely with partners to deliver on the actions within the developmental action plan and progressing the extensive wider work presently on going in Bradford.

 

(4)       The Executive encourages members to attend the exploitation awareness/training event for elected members to be held on 3rd November 2021.

 

 

Children’s Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee

(Darren Minton – 01274 434361)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The report of the Chief Executive (Document “H” which contained Not For Publication Appendix E) provided an update on the contemporary strategic response to all forms of exploitation of children and adults at risk of exploitation and how partners from The Bradford Partnership – Working together to safeguard children and the Bradford Safeguarding Adults Board work to drive continuous improvement and to hold agencies to account for their work on this subject. This report also outlined the challenges presented to the partnership following the global pandemic – Covid 19 and the current update on progress made to the Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Thematic Review recommendations published on July 27, 2021.

 

The Bradford Partnership and Bradford Safeguarding Adults Board had produced their annual reports cover the period April 2020 – March 2021

 

Appendix E – was exempt under paragraph 7 (Crime Prevention) Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972

 

The Leader stated that the Council and partners would do their utmost to protect children and vulnerable adults from exploitation and would support the police in taking cases of exploitation to prosecution.

 

The Children and Families Portfolio Holder was pleased to note the reduction in the number of young people missing.

 

The Community Safety Portfolio Holder noted that Bradford, unlike a number of other authorities,  had retained its Youth Service which was undertaking vital work such as Breaking the Cycle and early prevention.

 

The Healthy People and Places Portfolio Holder stressed the importance of protecting children and adults and ensuring their safety.  An Adult Safeguarding Board had been appointed and safeguarding measures had continued through Covid and the voice of adults had been evident. 

 

The Independent Chair of the Bradford Partnership attended the meeting together with representative of all of the partnership agencies.  She emphasised that they had adopted a holistic approach starting at early intervention.  She noted the significant reduction in the number of children going missing from home.  She referred to the work being undertaken by the Youth Service and the all age exploitation group that went up to 25 years of age.  She noted that there was a lot to be proud of but that no one could be complacent. There were people in all communities who would exploit children and good curriculum and early intervention were needed to prepare and protect children.

 

In attendance were representatives of the partnership from West Yorkshire Police, Health Trust, Children’s Services and Youth Service and they confirmed their commitment to work together to protect vulnerable children and adults from exploitation.

 

In response to a question from the Children and Families Portfolio Holder regarding on line grooming and exploitation it was noted that the schools were provided with weekly updates, resources were provided for children and parents, free access was provided to training for schools and parents, West Yorkshire Police had developed PSE lesson plans for children up to 16 and Bradford was the only place in West Yorkshire with cyber PCSO’s.  It was recognised that more could be done  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

54.

QTR 2 FINANCE POSITION STATEMENT FOR 2021-22 pdf icon PDF 593 KB

The report of the Director of Finance (Document “AA”) provides Members with an update on the forecast year-end financial position of the Council for 2021-22.

 

It examines the latest spend against revenue and capital budgets and the forecast year-end financial position based on information at Qtr 2. It states the Council’s current balances and reserves and school balances. 

 

 

Recommended -

 

That the Executive

 

(1)       Note the contents of Document “AA” and the actions taken to manage the issues highlighted.

(2)       Approve the following capital expenditure schemes as outlined in sections 14.9 and 14.10 of Document “AA”.

 

·      £0.127m to deliver the necessary highway works to allow the Parry Lane Enterprise Zone scheme to be developed and delivered in accordance with the planning application.

·      £0.167m for the three schemes identified as part of the Sports Pitches Improvement Programme.

·      The Executive is asked approve a budget of £0.3m and delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Place and Director of Finance & IT to approve the award of individual small grants for schemes linked to the Sports Pitches Improvement Programme. 

·      £1.7m for Year 1 of the IT Refresh Programme. This would be funded by the 2021-22 capital budget and bringing forward 2022-23 capital budget, both are currently included in Reserve Schemes.

·      £0.1m of Council match funding to increase the number of Changing Places Toilets in the District.

·      £1.898m for Phase 2 of the Playable Spaces Strategy Investment Programme to ensure that the District’s playable spaces are improved sufficiently to continue to provide fit for purpose, safe and sustainable play facilities.

 

 

Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee

(Andrew Cross – 07870 386523)

Minutes:

The report of the Director of Finance (Document “AA”) provided Members with an update on the forecast year-end financial position of the Council for 2021-22.

 

It examined the latest spend against revenue and capital budgets and the forecast year-end financial position based on information at Qtr 2. It stated the Council’s current balances and reserves and school balances. 

 

The report covered the forecast outturn of the Council’s revenuebudget including main changes since Qtr 1, the forecast financial impact of Covid-19, an update on Council Tax and Business Rates collection, a statement on the Council’s reserves including movements, an update on the Capital Investment Plan and the Councils Strategic Risk Register.

 

The Leader noted that while the Covid restrictions had ended the cost of Covid to the authority continued and that Government Covid grants would cease in the future.

 

The Director of Finance referred to the impact of Covid on revenue from parking, theatres and leisure centres.  He also referred to the effect on expenditure to deal with peeks in demand for services such as support for families, domestic violence services, the increasing cost of children’s services and care services and the need for longer term support in the future.

 

The Leader called for continued support for Local Authorities in dealing with the impact of Covid and providing services that people relied on.

 

In response to a question from the Children and Families Portfolio Holder the Acting Strategic Director of Children’s Services stated that with regard to agency costs a rolling programme to recruit to all vacant posts in the service was being refreshed to attract people to Bradford.  Regarding agency staff, she recognised that there was an increase in churn and staff turnover and that it was proposed to recruit fixed term teams to reduce churn and increase stability and beneficial impacts were being seen.  However she added that there would always be gaps in the service where agency staff would be required.  With regard to sufficiency she noted that an external review of the quality and quantity of children’s homes provision was being undertaken.  The demographic of children in care was being looked at to ensure sufficiency.  The pool of foster carers was continuing to be expanded and support provided to them to see foster care as a career opportunity and provide support to a wider range of children.  She added that the estate was out of date and the type of estate to fit the needs of the current and future children in care was being looked at.

 

A member of the opposition group referred to slippage on the markets project and One City Park.  He also noted that the risk score for the Ofsted Improvement Plan was set at 6 in the risk register and considered that this should be higher.

 

The Leader responded that growth in the district had to be generated.  She referred to £20m levelling up funding granted to Swire Lane Leisure and Wellbeing Centre and stressed that grant support was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

55.

PROGRESS REPORT ON THE COUNCIL'S EQUALITY PLAN 2021-2024 pdf icon PDF 141 KB

On 1st December 2020 Executive approved a new Equality Action Plan and instructed officers to report progress against the Plan to Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee on a regular basis. The report of the Assistant Director, Office of the Chief Executive (Document “AB”)  sets out the key actions and activities undertaken to date to progress delivery of the Council’s Equalities Plan and the priorities for the year ahead that will ensure on-going delivery against our objectives.

Equality and social justice must be at the heart of everything the Council does as they are key to the successful and effective delivery of services, the achievement of better outcomes for everyone and the development of a sustainable and inclusive economy. Our Equality Objectives and the plans that sit alongside them are there to help ensure equality is mainstreamed throughout the organisation.

 

 

Recommended -

 

That Members note the progress made and the next steps set out in the plan.

-        

Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Committee

(Khalida Ashrafi – 07816082796)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

On 1st December 2020 Executive approved a new Equality Action Plan and instructed officers to report progress against the Plan to Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee on a regular basis. The report of the Assistant Director, Office of the Chief Executive (Document “AB”)  set out the key actions and activities undertaken to date to progress delivery of the Council’s Equalities Plan and the priorities for the year ahead that would ensure on-going delivery against the Council’s objectives.

Equality and social justice must be at the heart of everything the Council does as they are key to the successful and effective delivery of services, the achievement of better outcomes for everyone and the development of a sustainable and inclusive economy. Our Equality Objectives and the plans that sit alongside them are there to help ensure equality is mainstreamed throughout the organisation.

 

An Equalities Engagement Lead Officer had been appointed to oversee the delivery of the plan over the next 4 years.  The Local Government Association had been invited to undertake a peer review in November and make recommendations.

 

In response to a question from a member of the Opposition Group regarding  ensuring the safety of women and girls while permitting the use of toilet facilities according to self-identified gender, the Leader noted the national debate about this issue and stressed that society should be protective of all groups.  She invited the member to speak to the staff network group on LGBTQ+.

 

In response to a comment from an Opposition Group member about the target of 66% of females in the top 5% of jobs, the Director of Human Resources stated that this had been included as this was the overall % of females in the workforce, there was a real drop off in the % of women in senior grades and there was a need be inclusive and look at the district as a whole, which has more women than men.

 

In responding to a question from an opposition member on whether employees who were not providing information regarding their sexual orientation had been asked why,  she noted that staff had only recently been asked regarding LGBTQ+ but she noted that this was a personal choice and that there was a need to progress further engagement with staff.

 

The leader added that there was a need to provide a level playing field for people to succeed and address structural inequalities.

 

 

Resolved -

 

That the progress made and the next steps set out in Council’s Equality Plan 2021-2024 be noted.

-        

Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Committee

ACTION: Chief Executive

 

 

EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS PORTFOLIO & DEPUTY LEADER

(Councillor I Khan)

HEALTHY PEOPLE AND PLACES PORTFOLIO

(Councillor Ferriby)

56.

MONUMENTS REVIEW - PROJECT REPORT pdf icon PDF 137 KB

The Strategic Director of Place will present a report (Document “AC”) of Phase 2 of the externally led Monuments Review, which has taken forward and implemented the recommendations from Phase 1.  Much has been achieved in fulfilment of the ambition to increase awareness and understanding of our key local statues and any links to colonialism and slavery; to create educational resources; and to provide opportunities for communities to tell their diverse stories. 

 

Whilst the driver and starting point for this project was Black Lives Matter,

the learning from this project now needs to be taken forward and embedded in the Council’s approach to diversity and inclusion and to representation of all our communities in the public realm.  The work does not stop here, but will continue as part of our plans for Bradford2025, the regeneration of the city centre, and through our strategies for place-making and heritage across the District.   

 

Thanks are due to the external Steering Group for their invaluable help in conducting this Review, which has already started to have a wider impact on thinking about representation – who, how and why we should publicly recognise individuals and groups. As well as the learning materials created, the Group will have a lasting legacy through its involvement in ongoing work with committees related to Blue Plaques and a Commonwealth War memorial, and with an offer to remaining a sounding board for the Council on relevant issues. 

 

 

Recommended that -

 

(1)  The Council acknowledges the work of the project in creating new educational and learning materials about our Monuments and Black History across the District, in identifying individuals from across our diverse communities who deserve recognition, and in encouraging nominations for recognition from our diverse communities; and thanks the external Steering Group for their invaluable contribution to this Review. 

 

(2)  The Council fully supports the proposal to create a memorial to local soldiers from Commonwealth countries who died in the First and Second World Wars.

 

(3)  The Council adopts a transparent policy and process for making decisions about the addition of any new statues and monuments to the public realm for which it is responsible (e.g. public streets, squares and parks), that is mindful of ensuring equality and diversity of representation, and is focused on the significance of any featured individual’s contribution to Bradford and beyond – in a similar way to conferring the Freedom of the City.

 

(4)  The Council uses the opportunity of the City of Culture 2025 bid to create a lasting celebration of the diversity of the District, the history of migration to Bradford, and the previously untold stories and contribution of people from across the District, noting the ideas set out in section 3.5.

 

(5)  The Council recognises the value of the Steering Group’s work by continuing to use it as a reference group for relevant issues and decisions as required, for example in relation to the current consideration of post-Covid commemorations and memorials. 

 

Regeneration and Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee

(Christine May  ...  view the full agenda text for item 56.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

The Strategic Director of Place presented a report (Document “AC”) of Phase 2 of the externally led Monuments Review, which had taken forward and implemented the recommendations from Phase 1.  Much had been achieved in fulfilment of the ambition to increase awareness and understanding of our key local statues and any links to colonialism and slavery; to create educational resources; and to provide opportunities for communities to tell their diverse stories. 

 

Whilst the driver and starting point for this project was Black Lives Matter,

the learning from this project now needs to be taken forward and embedded in the Council’s approach to diversity and inclusion and to representation of all our communities in the public realm.  The work does not stop here, but will continue as part of our plans for Bradford2025, the regeneration of the city centre, and through our strategies for place-making and heritage across the District.   

 

Thanks were due to the external Steering Group for their invaluable help in conducting this Review, which had already started to have a wider impact on thinking about representation – who, how and why we should publicly recognise individuals and groups. As well as the learning materials created, the Group would have a lasting legacy through its involvement in ongoing work with committees related to Blue Plaques and a Commonwealth War memorial, and with an offer to remaining a sounding board for the Council on relevant issues. 

 

The Health People and Places Portfolio Holder welcomed the report and referred to the work of Shape UK in seeking to redress the balance locally brought into sharp focus with the recent Inquiry into the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which concluded that hundreds of thousands of black and Asian service personnel who died fighting for the British Empire had not been formally commemorated in the same way as their white counterparts.The Operations Director of Shape UK attended the meeting and sought the Council’s support for a proposal to create a memorial for local soldiers from Commonwealth countries who died in the First and Second World Wars.  He also sought support to establish a steering group and ensure that there was BAME representation at events such as remembrance day and armed forces day.

 

The leader thanked all soldiers for their service to the nation.  She recognised that a large number of memorials in the District had been in place for a very long time and acknowledged the need to celebrate the story of the people of Bradford in more recent years. She welcomed the proposal led by Shape UK regarding a Commonwealth War Memorial and their involvement in the remembrance day events.

 

Resolved -

 

(1)  That the Executive acknowledges the work of the project in creating new educational and learning materials about our Monuments and Black History across the District, in identifying individuals from across our diverse communities who deserve recognition, and in encouraging nominations for recognition from our diverse communities; and thanks the external Steering Group for their invaluable contribution to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

REGENERATION, PLANNING & TRANSPORT PORTFOLIO

(Councillor Ross-Shaw)

57.

COUNCIL OWNED LAND AT NORTH STREET/CAVENDISH STREET, KEIGHLEY pdf icon PDF 128 KB

The Strategic Director of Corporate Resources will present a report (Document “AD”) in respect of recommendations relating to the ePetition received by the Council to keep the land as green space which were the brownfield sites of the former Keighley College buildings on North Street and Cavendish Street, Keighley.

 

Recommended -

 

To reject the ePetition and progress with the proposal for the development of the Health and Wellbeing centre on the sites as detailed in this report.

 

(Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Committee)

(Ben Middleton – 07582 101816)  

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Strategic Director of Corporate Resources presented a report (Document “AD”) in respect of recommendations relating to the ePetition containing 1,929 signatures received by the Council to keep the land as green space which were the brownfield sites of the former Keighley College buildings on North Street and Cavendish Street, Keighley.

 

It was reported that the petitioners were not able to attend the meeting and had sent a written representation that had been circulated to and read by members of the Executive. 

 

A Ward Councillor attended the meeting and asked whether the medical hub  could be located nearer to the bus station and the former Keighley College site be kept as green space.  She added that the location would be difficult to access for people with disabilities and that they would have to cross 5 lanes of traffic.  

 

The Regeneration, Planning and Highways Portfolio Holder noted that discussions had taken place with the NHS Airedale Trust over a number of years.  He was delighted to note that £3m plus Towns Fund had been received to aid the delivery of the project.  The proposals would maximise space, deliver high quality design. It would bring national best practice, GP’s and community health services to the centre of Keighley. The Council would work with the Trust to support this exciting opportunity for Keighley.  He considered that the location was in the heart of Keighley and was accessible. It would consolidate 200 jobs into the town centre, 50 of which would be new, and help to generate footfall.  He noted that a petition had been in favour of the proposals had been raised with over 2,000 signatures.  He concluded that this was a long standing plan for the town centre and that Homes England had made their position clear that they would be unlikely to support the Council bringing forward a public open space scheme at the property.

 

Resolved -

 

That the ePetition be rejected and the proposal for the development of the Health and Wellbeing centre on the sites as detailed in Document “AD” be progressed.

 

Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Committee

ACTION: Strategic Director of Corporate Resources

 

58.

NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FOR BRADFORD DISTRICT pdf icon PDF 129 KB

The report of the Strategic Director of Corporate Resources (Document “AF that contains Not For Publication Appendix 1) makes the case to go to market to procure a network infrastructure partner for 20 years to deliver full fibre gigabit network infrastructure for the Council and the Bradford Learning Network (BLN). In doing so it will also deliver significant social value by the way of investment in gigabit connectivity across large parts of Bradford District, that would otherwise be “left behind” for some years using inadequate broadband.

 

Recommended -

 

The Executive to:

 

(1) Approve Option 2, to procure a network infrastructure provider for 20 years and a network services provider will be procured on a 5-year contract as detailed in this report.

 

(2) Approval for Strategic Director Corporate Resources in conjunction with Director of Finance &IT in consultation with the Portfolio Holder to appoint the successful provider, subject to the financial appraisal confirming the recommended option is within existing budget provision.

 

Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Committee

(Paul Wilson - 07812 490703)

Minutes:

The report of the Strategic Director of Corporate Resources (Document “AF that contained Not For Publication Appendix 1) made the case to go to market to procure a network infrastructure partner for 20 years to deliver full fibre gigabit network infrastructure for the Council and the Bradford Learning Network (BLN). In doing so it would also deliver significant social value by the way of investment in gigabit connectivity across large parts of Bradford District, that would otherwise be “left behind” for some years using inadequate broadband.

 

The Leader welcomed the proposals and noted that the District was 2/3 ruraland there was a need to ensure that rural areas were digitally connected.

 

The Regeneration, Transport and Planning Portfolio Holder thanked the officers for their work in bringing forward this exciting proposal that would support business start-ups in the Air Valley and Worth Valley areas.

 

A member of the Opposition Group who represented a rural ward welcomed the proposals and looked forward to working with officers to support the development.  She asked about the cost to households and how new software being developed would be taken into account over the 20 years of the contract.  The Head of IT service advised that once the infrastructure and cabling were laid it would be up to the ISP to package services to the customer and that the Council could look to engage with them to develop affordable packages.  He also confirmed that 20 year contracts were the norm for network infrastructure contracts and that software would be developed over the years and be the subject of separate contracts.

 

 

Resolved -

 

(1) That Option 2 be approved, to procure a network infrastructure provider for 20 years and a network services provider will be procured on a 5-year contract as detailed in Document “AF”.

 

(2) That the Strategic Director Corporate Resources in conjunction with Director of Finance & IT in consultation with the Portfolio Holder appoint the successful provider, subject to the financial appraisal confirming the recommended option is within existing budget provision.

 

Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Committee

Strategic Director of Corporate Resources

NEIGHBOURHOODS & COMMUNITY SAFETY PORTFOLIO

(Councillor Jabar)

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES PORTFOLIO

(Councillor Duffy)

 

GENERAL EXCEPTION TO THE FORWARD PLAN

 

The following item has not been included on the published Forward Plan and is included on this agenda in accordance with Paragraph 10 of the Executive Procedures Rules of the Constitution as it is impracticable to defer the decision until it has been included in the published Forward Plan.

 

59.

OFSTED MONITORING VISIT pdf icon PDF 96 KB

The Strategic Director of Children’s Services will present Document “AG” following Ofsted’s Inspection of Children’s Social Care Services from the 17 to 28 September 2018, the sixth of a series of Monitoring Visits took place on the 7 to 8 September 2021.  

 

The focus of the Monitoring Visit was around Children in Care and Residential Services.

 

The findings were published by Ofsted on 22 October 2021.

 

Recommendation

 

The Executive are asked to note the contents of the letter from Ofsted.

 

(Children’s Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee)

(Marium Haque – 01274 431266)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Strategic Director of Children’s Services presented Document “AG” following Ofsted’s Inspection of Children’s Social Care Services from the 17 to 28 September 2018, the sixth of a series of Monitoring Visits took place on the 7 to 8 September 2021.  The focus of the Monitoring Visit was around Children in Care and Residential Services.  The findings were published by Ofsted on 22 October 2021.

 

The Children and Families Portfolio Holder referred to the refocused Improvement Plan.  The Acting Strategic Director of Children’s Services noted that the current Improvement Plan had served its purpose in 2018 and that it was time to review the plan to drive change and progress.  The Outcomes Improvement Plan was designed to focus on 7 priority outcome areas to demonstrate change within a 3-6 month period. 

 

The Leader emphasised the need to ensure that improvement was accelerated and that all staff were part of this. 

 

The Leader and the Children and Families Portfolio Holder thanked all staff for their help and support in the improvement journey. 

 

 

Resolved -

 

That the contents of the letter from Ofsted be noted.

 

Children’s Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee

ACTION: Strategic Director of Education