Issue - meetings

The Panel considered the report of the Executive Director – Wellbeing (Children and Learning) which provided an update on progress against the revised Children and Learning Improvement Plan.

Councillor Barnes Andrews, Cabinet Member in attendance; Robert Henderson, Executive Director Wellbeing (Children and Learning), Southampton City Council; and Julian Watkins, Interim Head of Service - Safeguarding, Children and Families, Southampton City Council were present and, with the consent of the Chair, addressed the Panel. 

In discussions with the officers, the Panel noted the following:

·  The Improvement Board had a wide range of external partners including head teachers, police, health and representation from the staff feedback group which provided strong support and challenge.

·  The plan was built around the values of putting the child at the centre of everything and the vision for leadership and training was based on the restorative justice model where work was done with children not just done to them.  Managers needed confidence in risk assessments and case management.  Social workers needed capacity and reduced caseloads.  Manageable caseloads and investment in growing our own Newly Qualified Social Workers would help to reduce staff turnover.

·  The engagement of 17-18-year olds in education, training and employment had been affected by Covid and unemployment for people aged 16-24 had been predicted to increase.  The employment opportunities resource was not substantial enough to meet the needs of young people who were not academic.

RESOLVED

  (i)  That the Improvement Plan would be presented at next meeting of the Panel on 11 February 2021 and that the following information would be included:

a.  The presentation of data on social work staff turnover would detail the number of permanent staff, agency staff and vacancies. 

b.  The presentation of data on social work staff turnover within specific social work teams

c.  The presentation of performance information that identified the changes of social worker for children in Southampton (how many social workers a child has had).

  (ii)  That the Panel would be consulted on the developing vision for children and young people in Southampton and the draft Children and Young People Strategy at the next meeting of the Panel on the 11 February 2021.