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 and 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 a number of points including:

·  Figures relating to the high numbers of contacts and referrals in January;

·  The increase in re-referrals and efforts being made to reduce this number;

·  The increase in children in care returning to live with their birth families and the measures being put in place to ensure that this is safe;

·  The fall in first time entrants and whether this reflected steps being introduced.  

RESOLVED

1.  That, reflecting the importance of the Family Safeguarding Model to the service transformation programme, the model is, subject to agreement with the Chair, included on the 6 June 2024 agenda for the Panel.

2.  That, in recognition of the insight it may provide on the effectiveness of safeguarding practice, the Panel review the planned analysis by the service of children subject to 2 or more child protection plans when it has been completed.