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.

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

The Panel discussed the performance of safeguarding services in October and questioned why there had been an increase in activity and demand in the period.  The Panel also raised the timescales for the opening of the new children’s homes in the city; 16-17 year olds in our care receiving support to access education, employment and training; and, the recruitment of foster cares.  It was explained that the city performed well compared to regional and statistical comparators but that there was a national shortage of foster carers.  The Panel also reviewed the number of children with parental consent to adoptive placement under Section 20 of the Children Act 2002. 

RESOLVED that the Panel are provided with a briefing about children who are in care under section 20 of the Children Act 2002.