Minutes:
The
Committee scrutinised the following matters:
Cabinet
Board Proposals
6.1 Children and Young People Services 3rd Quarter
(2015-16) Performance Report
The Committee received the Children and Young People
Services third quarter (2015-16) Performance Management Information, the
monthly Key Priority Indicator information and complaints data, as detailed
within the circulated report.
Members were informed that there had been a significant
increase in the percentage of initial assessments that were completed where
there was evidence that the child had been seen alone by the social worker
(SCC/011b). It was noted that in relation to the percentage of statutory visits
to looked after children due in the year that took place in accordance with
regulations (SCC/025) was a priority for the Service and there had been a
slight increase to 92.4%. There had also been an improvement in the percentage
of review of looked after children, children on the child protection register
and children in need carried out in line with the statutory guidelines
(SCC/045). In particular there had been an improvement in the data capture for
children in need reviews. It was noted that caseloads were low and remained
relatively consistent. Members highlighted that there had been a slight
increase in the number of children in need cases in December 2015 (priority
indicator 7) and it was explained that this was partly due to children moving
out of the child protection category.
It was highlighted that more looked after children were
being placed with in house foster carers and there had been a particular focus
on 11 to 17 year olds. Officers agreed that numbers would be included as well
as percentages in future reports for this indicator.
Members queried what the age range of the children who had
been discharged from care and subsequently re-admitted within a 12 month period
(priority indicator 6). Officers would find this information out and informed
Members that no pattern had been highlighted.
Members noted that the data for (priority indicator 8) the
number of cases ‘stepped up / stepped down’ between Children and Young People
Services and Team Around the Family (TAF), seemed to
indicate that cases were more stable and manageable within TAF. Officers
explained that it was too early to establish if the figures had stabilised, but
there was a much better relationship and consistency in approach. Members
highlighted that there were discrepancies between the graphs for this indicator
as one referred to monthly data and the other to quarterly data. Officers
recognised this and would ensure that the presentation of data in future
reports was more consistent.
Members asked if those pupils, in September, that had not
received a Personal Education Plan within 20 schools days of entering care or
joining a new school (priority indicator 9) had subsequently received plans.
Officers confirmed that those that had not received a plan within 20 days would
have been followed up to ensure that they did. Members were pleased to note
that both qualified and unqualified staff were
receiving regular supervision.
Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.
6.2 Education Quarterly Performance Management Data 2015-16 –
Quarter 3 Performance (1 April 2015 – 31 December 2015)
The Committee received the quarter 3 performance management
data, complaints and compliments for the period 1 April 2015 to 31 December
2015 for Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning Directorate, as detailed
within the circulated report.
Members were informed that there had been some good results
and successes and the data was put into context, including the high percentage
of Free School Meal pupils and other deprivation indicators. It was highlighted
that at Key Stage 3 the Core Indicator improved by 4.7% in 2014/15, however,
Neath Port Talbot were still ranked 22nd Wales. In Key Stage 2 the
Core Subject Indicator had fallen by 0.8% in 2014/15 and Neath Port Talbot also
remained ranked 22nd in Wales in this indicator. It was highlighted
that out of 333 pupils that did not achieve 33% were Free School Meal Pupils
and had Statements of Educational Need and 40% rated red on the vulnerability
scale. There were also 131 near misses. It was noted that there were very small
figures between the rankings and Members recognised this. Officers highlighted
that Neath Port Talbot pupils were achieving at Key Stage 4 and it was better
that teacher assessment was underestimating at Key Stages 2 and 3 and then
producing good external exam results at Key Stage 4. Members commented that
there needed to be more consistency and improved moderation and
standardisation.
Members queried the reasons for the increased in the number
of children with new statements of special educational needs (L(SEN) 1a). It was explained that there had been an increase
in the identification of complex needs and the Service was working with parents
and agencies to address this. Members asked why performance continued to drop
for the percentage of final statements of special educational need issued
within 26 weeks including exceptions. It was explained that delays were often
due to external sources, such as waiting for medical information and parents
not attending appointments. Officers informed Members that there had been some
sickness in the team and the workload had to be shared out between the other
staff. Another factor was more parents were exercising their right to appeal,
which would always push figures outside the 26 week timescale.
It was noted that the Service was improving the way
it worked with young people Not in Education, Employment or Training, pupils
who had been excluded and increasing attendance.
Following scrutiny, it was agreed that the report be noted.