Issue - meetings

The Panel considered the report of the Scrutiny Manager recommending that the Panel consider and challenge the performance of Children’s Services and Learning in Southampton.

Cllr Winning – Cabinet Member for Children and Learning, Rob Henderson - Executive Director, Children & Learning, Steph Murray – Deputy Director, Children and Learning, and Laura Trevett – Performance Manager were in attendance and, with the consent of the Chair, addressed the meeting.

The Panel discussed the following issues:

·  The steady improvement in performance and outcomes across Children and Learning;

·  Placement stability, recognising the increase in the number of Looked After Children placed in unregulated / unregistered settings;

·  Initial Health Assessments within 20 days as performance had declined following recent improvements;

·  The quality of social work practice as, reflecting the prediction of the Executive Director, there had been a significant increase in October in the percentage of audits that were rated as good in comparison to those rated inadequate or requires improvement.