Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies or substitutions for the meeting.

Apologies were received from the following committee members:

Cllr Helen Belcher OBE (Substituted by Cllr Trevor Carbin)

John Hawkins

Apologies were also received from:

Cllr Laura Mayes

Cllr Suzanne Wickham

To approve and sign the minutes of the previous meeting held on 6 June 2023.

Resolved

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 6 June 2023, as a true and correct record.

To receive any declarations of disclosable interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive any announcements through the Chairman.

The chairman informed the committee that the meeting would run in a different way to allow the time necessary for the committee to consider item 6 on the agenda. Therefore, a short recess between 11.30 and 11.45 was to be included.

The Council welcomes contributions from members of the public.

Statements

If you would like to make a statement at this meeting on any item on this agenda, please register to do so at least 10 minutes prior to the meeting. Up to 3 speakers are permitted to speak for up to 3 minutes each on any agenda item. Please contact the officer named on the front of the agenda for any further clarification.

Questions

To receive any questions from members of the public or members of the Council received in accordance with the constitution.

Those wishing to ask questions are required to give notice of any such questions in writing to the officer named on the front of this agenda no later than 5pm on Wednesday 5 July 2023 in order to be guaranteed of a written response. In order to receive a verbal response questions must be submitted no later than 5pm on Friday 7 July 2023. Please contact the officer named on the front of this agenda for further advice. Questions may be asked without notice if the Chairman decides that the matter is urgent.

Details of any questions received will be circulated to Committee members prior to the meeting and made available at the meeting and on the Council’s website.

There was no public participation.

Wiltshire Council commissioned the Institute of Public Care (IPC) at Oxford Brookes University to undertake a follow up review of Support and Safeguarding Services across the county. The review was undertaken between July 2022 and February 2023 and the summary findings are presented in the attached report.

The chair informed the committee that Wiltshire Council had commissioned the Institute of Public Care (IPC) at Oxford Brookes University to undertake a follow up review of Support and Safeguarding Services across the county. The review was undertaken between July 2022 and February 2023 and the summary findings are presented in the attached report.

Jen Salter (Director for Families and Children) and Professor Katy Burch (Assistant Director, Institute of Public Care, Oxford Brookes University) were invited to present the report.

The review looked at 4 key areas:

• Child and family presenting needs and overall ‘demand’ for support and safeguarding.

• Thresholds and families getting ‘the right help at the right time’.

• The quality and effectiveness of Support and Safeguarding Services.

• Supports for effective practice.

Key points raised:

Interviews were conducted regarding decision making with people working at Wiltshire Council and key partners.

There had been a re-growth in contact being made with the local authority, and even though rates of looked after children remained lower than geographically neighbouring authorities, rates when compared to ‘outstanding’ local authorities had a similar proportion. There was however a downward pressure in demand, largely due to a reduction in re-referrals.

When looking at the nature of demand, factors relating to poverty, unwillingness to return to school and substance misuse were identified.

Other characteristics were identified including disability - 14% had a diagnosed disability, mainly ADHD. This increased to 1/5^th when looking at the whole child journey and up to 1/3^rd of front door referrals was linked to a disability.

Key questions about families getting the right help at the right time were asked, including the rates of threshold criteria being met and when to refer a child.

It was found that all staff and partners interviewed were aware of the council’s threshold documentation and had received training on it. Most staff thought thresholds for targeted support service were clear.

There are key indicators of success in Wiltshire Council’s handling of Safeguarding and Support. Child protection investigations had been reduced and a tendency for better early help and prevention in the community. Partners felt reassured they could challenge the Council and ask questions when necessary. Referrals had timely handling and efficiency. Oversight was noted as being particularly strong and positive. Practitioners also felt listened to and that they could challenge approaches. It was witnessed that children were not having to repeat their experiences at multiple stages which was a major positive.

There are ongoing challenges to recruit and retain social workers, however Wiltshire Council was identified as having experienced family support workers that provided consistency and good quality assessments and reports with significant detail. Analysis was also seen as strong and contributed significantly to key decision making.

Although overwhelmingly positive, some areas where further improvement could be made were identified….

The responsiveness of commissioned services (particularly substance misuse and domestic abuse) had dropped off. Families coming into the Council’s safeguarding process are vulnerable and some need in person support, not just online as this is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

At its meeting on 4 July 2023, the Health Select Committee received an update on the progress of the Integrated Community based services Programme, including an outline of the aim and purpose of this programme, the link to the ICP strategy, and key milestones/timelines. The information provided can be accessed on the meeting’s recording and the written briefing is attached.

Officers have not been requested to attend this meeting but this is an opportunity for committee members to ask questions and / or consider whether this is an area for further scrutiny for this committee.

The Chair informed the Children’s Select Committee that at its meeting on 4 July 2023, the Health Select Committee received an update on the progress of the Integrated Community based services Programme, including an outline of the aim and purpose of this programme, the link to the Integrated Care Partnership strategy, and key milestones/timelines. The information provided can be accessed on the meeting’s recording and the written briefing is attached.

It was also clarified that officers had not been requested to attend the meeting but was an opportunity for committee members to ask questions and / or consider whether this is an area for further scrutiny for this committee.

It was clarified that the Children’s Select Committee was being asked to consider how health services across BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire were being commissioned. Wiltshire Council had an integrated service for children’s community health provided by HCRG including a public health nursing element which had now been commissioned by Wiltshire Council by themselves going forward. The Children’s Select Committee was seen as an important committee to cite on the process and would be updated accordingly.

Resolved

For the chair and vice-chair to receive a joint briefing with the chair and vice-chair of Health Select Committee before the next update is taken to Health Select to determine whether this should be an area of work / interest for the Children’s Select Committee.

The annual report of the Corporate Parenting Panel was considered by the Children’s Select Committee’s Standing Task Group on Monday 26 June, ahead of the annual report being finalised by the Corporate Parenting Panel on 27 June and being presented to full council on 18 July 2023.

The findings of the Standing Task Group are being presented to the committee alongside the Corporate Parenting Panel’s annual report (reports to follow).

The Chair informed the committee that the annual report of the Corporate Parenting Panel was considered by the Children’s Select Committee’s Standing Task Group on Monday 26 June, ahead of the annual report being finalised by the Corporate Parenting Panel on 27 June and being presented to full council on 18 July 2023.

The findings of the Standing Task Group were being presented to the committee alongside the Corporate Parenting Panel’s annual report – both are in Agenda Supplement 2.

The chair stated that he thought it was a robust and detailed review by the Standing Task Group and was glad to see that some of the suggestions had already been implemented by officers.

It was specified that it was for the committee to review the findings by the Standing Task Group and decide whether to endorse the recommendations.

It would then be for officers to offer a response to these recommendations when the finalised report is presented to full council on 18 July 2023.

Peter Hutton, Chair of the Corporate Parenting Panel, was invited to comment and stated that the Head of Children in Care and Young People and he had attended the task group meeting referred to. It was echoed that the report was robust and detailed and was already being acted on by officers. Focus on providing narratives to data going forward was highlighted.

It was asked that as certain members of the CPP take on specific responsibilities, that those members might attend and inform the committee of their roles.

Resolved

To endorse the report of the Children’s Select Committee's Standing Task Group and accordingly the Corporate Parenting Panel Annual Report.

The committee had received a report on FACT at its meeting on 25 October and requested a 6-months update, which is the attached report, to review the data set that had been created and how the Family Help programme had been implemented.

The chair reminded the committee that it had received a report on FACT at its meeting on 25 October and requested a 6-months update, which is the attached report, to review the data set that had been created and how the Family Help programme had been implemented.

The full report can be found in the agenda pack.

The FACT Programme Lead and Director of Families and Children’s Services were invited to comment.

The programme is a 2-year programme in its early stages and some elements are operational whilst others are yet to be launched. In response to questions at the last committee report it was highlighted that information regarding the development on the outcomes framework and information on stakeholder engagement in Warminster and Westbury had been included to reassure members that that work is robust. It was noted that FACT is working with Oxford Brookes Institute of Public Care.

Debate

During debate a number of clarifications and points were raised:

The FACT activity that is laid out in the report was fundamentally about the whole partnership approach to early-stage intervention and prevention. Family Hubs are one area of this and the development of them is integrated within the Family Help Strategy and thus rooted within its monitoring and evaluation. It’s a national framework with set principles and objectives that will be delivered.

Presentations had been delivered to Warminster and Westbury Area Boards and the contacts list is constantly growing. FACT is open to inviting individuals to conversations. Local members were highlighted as important participants in such discussions and more effort would be made to include them by default.

The reason for headings in terms of themes is due to the overall strategy, which is fundamentally a strategy of social mobility and the link between education and opportunities in later life. This is the reason for the link between education and wealth in this way and is not judgemental at all. It is also related to the terminology and Health and Wellbeing categories within the strategy.

The integrated front door manager line manages the pilot coordinator to allow family help workers to link with the locality team in Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), therefore avoiding duplication of services and/or families being missed by both teams.

The committee expressed its willingness to receive a further update in 12 months.

Resolved

To note the report

The attached report provides an update on the building developments at Silverwood School, a co-educational special school for children and young people aged 4 to 19 years, formed in September 2020 with campuses in Rowde, Trowbridge and Chippenham (former schools of Rowdeford, Larkrise and St Nicholas). 

The chair informed the committee that the attached report provides an update on the building developments at Silverwood School, a co-educational special school for children and young people aged 4 to 19 years, formed in September 2020 with campuses in Rowde, Trowbridge and Chippenham (former schools of Rowdeford, Larkrise and St Nicholas). 

Cllr Jane Davies (Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, SEND and Transition and Inclusion) was invited to speak on the report.

It was stated that the desired outcome did not just revolve around the buildings but the excellent education of the children.

The delays were noted but it was stressed that positives have been seen in the offers of support from Longfield, Hardenhuish and Paxcroft Schools. Specifically Paxcroft was singled out for high praise given the agreement of a ten year lease on some outdoor space to reduce physical constraints on Silverwood School in Trowbridge and the lease of a temporary classroom for a year whilst the transition is completed.

A risk was highlighted in paragraph 25 that couldn’t be fully controlled but was being closely managed.

The Head of SEND and Inclusion gave a PowerPoint presentation that can be found in the agenda pack.

Key points from the presentation included:

Demand for a specialist place is extremely high. Places are increasing from 340 to 460 across Silverwood School.

The new build has had 40 weeks of construction delays, however £10,000 per week was received from the developer as compensation for this.

Transitional developments are in place and solutions have quickly been implemented, including the hosting of a satellite provision from Bellefield School for the past 2 years. Satellite provisions are being prepared at Paxcroft, Longfield, Longmeadow and Hardenhuish Schools.

Delays to phase 3 have had implications for phase 4, with phase 5 being the retention and investment in Chippenham and Trowbridge and are in the early stages of building plans.

The overriding intention is for the Silverwood leadership team to have as smooth a transition as possible.

The need to manage a growing number of students at Silverwood given the ongoing work was stressed.

Silverwood had its first Ofsted inspection recently which will be shared when the report is available.

Debate

During the debate the following points and clarifications were raised:

The delays are predominantly down to weather issues. The biggest risk for the project was ensuring that the delivery of the electricity sub-station for the new building was completed by October 2023. Delays are being managed and additional support is being provided where needed. The most important thing is mitigating the effects of any delays.

The committee expressed its delight at the teamwork shown by the surrounding Trowbridge Schools mentioned in the report.

Financial liability for damage to materials lies with the contractor Wilmore Dixon and the contract with them is well-crafted.

The committee expressed its concern at the additional costs from the delay. It was clarified that although money was being received from the contractor for the delays there is a shortfall  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70.

To consider the attached Child, Youth and Family Voice Team Annual Report, 2022-2023 covering work for the past year and future plans for Families and Children’s Services, Children in Care Council, and the Wiltshire Youth Council.

The chair informed the committee that this agenda item was to consider the attached Child, Youth and Family Voice Team Annual Report, 2022-2023 covering work for the past year and the future plans of Families and Children’s Services, Children in Care Council, and the Wiltshire Youth Council.

The Head of the Child and Youth Voice Team presented a PowerPoint which can be found in the agenda pack.

Key points from the presentation:

Children In Care Council (CICC) had run since April 2021 and 48 children have participated in sessions. The last year has mainly been aiming to build connections and a community feel.

‘Mind of My Own’ App has captured the views of children and young people to share with workers. Just under 100 times it was used by children to share views with workers and can raise safeguarding concerns which helped to get support quicker.

A fostering consultation panel has been used to provide a 2-way discussion and provide lived experiences to allow positive and constructive feedback.

Forward thinking includes recruiting voice ambassadors to use their lived experience to deliver recruitment and feedback.

The use of the bright spot survey that many Local Authorities use was highlighted to help understand the wider cohort in care and pinpoint areas to develop.

Debate

During the debate the following points and clarifications were raised:

Resources for the Youth Council would be looked at once a managerial replacement is made. A decision about how to resource the team going forward would depend on its role and how it aligned with other council initiatives. They were looking for alternative venues as the Studley Children’s Centre was closing.

The CICC are very happy with the amount of participation from the children in care and stated that Wiltshire had far higher numbers that other Local Authorities.

The Youth Council have had specific targets. The amount of resource required to support the shadow cabinet had been underestimated and they would use the lessons learned and apply them in the next Youth Council electoral cycle. The Chair expressed his wish for more engagement with the youth representative on the Children’s Select Committee.

Pride events and the need to look into resources and coordination for youth involvement was highlighted.

Resolved

To note the report and welcome a future report for 2023-24.

Updates on information valuable for the committee, but unlikely to require a decision. 

Members of the committee are therefore invited to indicate in advance of the meeting if they would like further information or have questions on these regular updates, so that relevant officers can be invited to attend the meeting.

An update including information regarding the most recent Ofsted Inspection reports, presenting an ongoing view of the effectiveness of schools as seen by Ofsted Inspection.

The written report was noted.

An update on developments relating to children’s services arising from the Department for Education.

The written report was noted.

The DfE published new non-statutory guidance in May 2022 to help schools, trusts, governing bodies and local authorities maintain high levels of school attendance. The guidance applies from September 2022.

This regular update is an opportunity for the committee to be aware of the latest requirements, as set out in the guidance.

The written update was noted.

It was clarified that emotionally based reasons for non-attendance would come under illness figures but wouldn’t capture all young persons but mainly those where a conversation had taken place regarding the young person.

A DfE attendance advisor is meeting with Wiltshire Council to give advice on the national picture and actions Wiltshire Council can take to improve attendance. The committee expressed its interest at seeing the advice that is given.

The Vice-Chairman left the meeting at 1:24pm.

Cllr Corbin left the meeting at 1:25pm.

To receive a very brief update highlighting key items from the last meeting of Schools Forum, to enable the Children’s Select Committee to be informed in a timely manner of the work undertaken by the Schools Forum through the year.

Full agendas and minutes for the Schools Forum can be accessed here  Schools Forum | Wiltshire Council

The written update was noted.

To receive a very brief update highlighting key items from the last meeting of the Corporate Parenting Panel, to enable the Children’s Select Committee members, as Corporate Parents, to be informed in a timely manner of the work undertaken by the Corporate Parenting Panel through the year.

Nothing further was added from the report given earlier in the meeting.

To receive a verbal update from Directors highlighting any key issues (current or emerging), successes or milestones in their respective areas since the last meeting of the committee, which may not require a full agenda item and are not covered elsewhere on this agenda.

Lucy Townsend (Corporate Director – People) stated that Ofsted inspections were expected shortly. There had also recently been a peer review from LGA on SEND and the report was due shortly.

Cllr Jo Trigg wished to highlight that as a governor at Studley Green School she was extremely grateful for the support given by Corporate Director People and her team and from educational psychologists that had been exemplary. The committee echoed Cllr Trigg’s recognition and thanks.

The chair wished to add that he had metan individual from the new music service and wished to pass on the comments of the great work they had been doing. Concern was raised at the possibility that Wiltshire’s service could be regionalised and lead to a lower quality of service. Therefore, it was asked that the issue be taken away from the meeting to be considered.

To receive a verbal update from the Cabinet Member and / or Portfolio Holders highlighting any news, successes or milestones in their respective areas since the last meeting of the committee, which may not require a full agenda item and are not covered elsewhere on this agenda.

Cllr Peter Hutton, Portfolio Holder for Safeguarding, mentioned work that had taken place in the Youth Justice Service, including on anti-social behaviour.

To receive a verbal update from the chair on any work undertaken or news since the last meeting that would not require a full agenda item and would not be suitable under Chairman’s Announcements (where no debate is allowed).

An update on the Food, Unity, Energy, Laughter (FUEL) Programme was given in that it would be going ahead with a new company and thanks were given to officers for their work.

It was highlighted that Wiltshire Council had featured at the recent Local Government Association conference.

Ben Stevens had been appointed the Better Value Project and was looking at the deficit in the High Needs Block.

The Committee is asked to note the attached documents showing the relevant items from the overview and scrutiny forward work programme and the latest version of the strategy list for the Children, Education and Skills directorate.

Was noted as being attached to the agenda and praised for being in a more readable format.

To note that the next scheduled meeting is due to be held on Wednesday 20 September 2023 at County Hall, Trowbridge, starting at 10.30am.

The date of the next meeting of the Childrens Select Committee is Thursday 21 September 2023.

Any other items of business which the Chairman agrees to consider as a matter of urgency.

The chair stated his wish for an organisation under the Wiltshire Community Foundation that brings together youth services to be invited to send a non-voting representative to sit on the committee. No objections were raised on this proposal.