Agenda and minutes

The Democratic Services Officer will open the meeting and ask for nominations in order to elect a Chairman for the forthcoming year.

Max Hirst, the Democratic Service Officer, opened the meeting and asked for nominations in order to elect a chairman for the forthcoming year.

Cllr Jacqui Lay proposed Cllr Jon Hubbard for Chairman.

Resolved:

To elect Cllr Jon Hubbard as Chairman for the forthcoming year.

To elect a Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming year.

The elected Chairman, Cllr Jon Hubbard, asked for nominations to elect a Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming year and himself proposed Cllr Jacqui Lay.

Resolved:

To elect Cllr Jacqui Lay as Vice-Chairman for the forthcoming year.

To receive any apologies or substitutions for the meeting and changes to the Committee Membership.

Apologies were received from:

Cllr Helen Belcher (OBE) with Cllr Trevor Carbin substituting.

Cllr Peter Hutton

Cllr Caroline Corbin

Cllr Jane Davies

The Committee thanked Cllr James Sheppard who was a member of this committee but has now taken on the role of chairman of the council and welcomed Cllr Bridget Wayman.

To approve and sign the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 March 2023.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 March 2023were presented for consideration. After which, it was:

Resolved

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 14 March 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 asked the committee to join him in welcoming Max Hirst, the new Democratic Services Officer for the Children’s Select Committee.

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 Tuesday 30^th May 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 Thursday 1^st June 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.

To consider a report on a new service to replace children's centres offering support for families 0-19 (25 with SEND), before it is presented to Cabinet on 13 June 2023.

The committee considered a report on a new service to replace children's centres offering support for families 0-19 (25 with SEND), before it is presented to Cabinet on 13 June 2023. Gary Binstead, Head of Commissioning – Families and Children summarised the report.

It was stated that Cabinet would be asked to accept the following proposals:

1. Approve the commissioning of family hubs across Wiltshire from April 1st,
2024.
2. Approve that all services are commissioned externally through an open
procurement, with a 5-year contract awarded to the successful provider,
with the option to extend for up to a further 2 years.
3. Approve the Pathfinder project in Westbury and Warminster transferring
into the new contract when it commences on 1st April 2024.
4. To delegate authority to approve and award a new contract, and take all
necessary steps associated to the Corporate Director Resources and
Deputy Chief Executive, and Corporate Director of People in consultation
with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services,
Education and Skills

The Government had a manifesto pledge to champion family hubs, that offer
support for families with children aged 0-19 (up to 25 with SEND). Six South West Local Authorities were awarded grant funding, but Wiltshire had not been selected for any additional funding to date. It was emphasised that a high level of consultation and detail was applied to the bid and thus were disappointed in this outcome.

However, Wiltshire Council had taken the decision to develop family hubs,
redesigning existing services to improve access to Family Help and improve
outcomes for children and families across the county. Wiltshire family hubs were intended to be operational from April 2024.

During debate, Cllr Iain Blair-Pilling expressed his delight as Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure, Libraries, FM and Operational Assets that Libraries and Leisure centres were being utilised to deliver the initiative.

Further to this, recognition was given by the committee to the library and leisure staff and clarification was given on upskilling staff and ensuring they are supported through training.

The Committee were also assured that enough resources were being focused on deprived areas and clarification was given as to why there had been a reduction in hospital visits, including what the key metrics are with regards to family hubs.

The following priorities of the model were also explained:

·       Reducing the number of people needing to attend hospital.

·       Increase in number of early support assessments.

·       Lowering accidents and missed appointments.

It was clarified that the goals could be endless but that a focus was being made on these priorities.

The committee expressed its desire to receive a briefing after tendering, and a tentative date was set for the beginning of 2024.

Resolved:

To note the report

To receive a pre-meeting briefing presentation on the contract / proposed service, ideally jointly presented by the provider(s) + agenda item with details of the service (update on the hubs, recruitment of Navigators and Family Hub practitioners, etc.) including more information on the Westbury  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

To consider the attached report providing an update on the business planning process for the council, linking to the activity of families & children and education and skills services and the progress against that activity.

The Committee was updated on the business planning process for the council, the link to the activity of families & children and the use of the current Business Plan as a structure on which to plan the activity of children, families and education services. Planned Activities and Updates can be found in full in the report attached to the agenda.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills, first commended the report for providing a good summary of all the work happening in Children’s Services.

During debate, the committee were informed that:

About 60 schools are engaged in the premium partner network. The priorities of Children’s Services include attendance, closing the gap between disadvantaged learners, and leadership and management. Parents who get at least their second or third choice of school is around 99 percent.

A response is to follow as to where the CIF (Condition Improvement Fund) fund for improving buildings for academies is being utilised as Wiltshire Council and the Southwest have had very little success with bids. Feedback is to be jointly provided with the ICB (Integrated Care Board) as to what stage the Emotional and Mental Health strategy is in regard to being published. Consideration could be given to training younger individuals in First Aid, especially around mental health.

Resolved

Accept recommendation to note the report and make use of the information contained to help focus future deep scrutiny activity.

The committee requested that the Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Strategy, the review of the CAMHS contract, Early Years Strategy, be presented to the committee when appropriate. Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Strategy presented to the committee, including feedback on workshop held on Friday 9 June. Prior to this the draft strategy would be presented to the CSC Standing Task Group.

To consider the outcome of the recent review of the Support and Safeguarding service at our July meeting which may include outcomes of the “Dads matter too” multi agency project (if not this will be considered at the next available meeting).

Healthy Schools programme – online briefing.

For the outcome of the extensive review of the CAMHS contract to be presented to this committee (end of 2023 / early 2024).

To receive an update on the business plan and action plan in 6 months (16 January 2024).

To consider the attached report providing an update on Child Poverty in Wiltshire, including the national policy background, the data picture in Wiltshire within a national context, and the activities of the Council.

The committee considered the attached report providing an update on Child Poverty in Wiltshire, including the national policy background, the data picture in Wiltshire within a national context, and the activities of the Council.

In the report, the committee was reminded that:

A child is considered to be growing up in poverty if they live in a household
whose income is below 60% of the average (median) income for that year.
This is called 'relative poverty'. Data on relative child poverty is available both
before (BHC) and after housing costs (AHC) are taken into account.

The threshold for absolute poverty is set at 60% of the average (median) net
household income in 2010/11 (as adjusted for inflation). This threshold does
not fluctuate over time.

Lucy Townsend, Corporate Director for People gave a verbal update.

There has been a slight increase in relative child poverty after housing costs from 19.1% to 20.9%. Therefore, meaning Wiltshire is lower than the South West and National figures.

Statistics surrounding free school meals was provided showing a rise in children eligible through low income, although it was stated that it doesn’t directly reflect child poverty figures as the criteria for free school meals is different.

The committee was reminded that The Child Poverty Act 2010, which set targets for the reduction of the percentage of children in poverty, was subsequently removed through The Welfare Reform and Work Act of 2016.

However, the reducing child poverty strategy in Wiltshire, and its objectives were reiterated and reports were still related to each of these:

Objective 1 – Provide effective support to vulnerable families with 0-5 year

olds

Objective 2 – Narrowing the Educational Attainment Gap

Objective 3 – Develop an inclusive economy that will enable equality of

economic opportunity for all

Objective 4 – Provide locally-focused support based on a thorough

understanding of needs

Objective 5 – Promote engagement with the Child Poverty Strategy and

related implementation plan

Wiltshire is currently ranked 190 out of 201 upper-tier authorities by a

measure of the percentage of workless households, and ranked 181 out of

201 by a measure of the percentage of children in workless households.

The Improving Lives: Helping Workless Families initiative was reiterated along with it’s ambitions, which set out proposals to:

·       Launch the next phase of the Troubled Families Programme, which placed a greater emphasis on helping parents with complex needs into work.

·       A new programme to reduce parental conflict.

·       Enhance the role of Jobcentre Plus to identify and meet complex needs.

·       Provide greater support to help those with drug and alcohol dependencies.

With regards to activities happening around the agenda, it was noted The Household Support Fund has been allocated over £5 million. This fund has been used to support children on free school meals during the school holidays. Although a broad fund it has been focused on energy bills and food costs.

It was reported that unfortunately the company that provides the FUEL camps has gone into administration.

During debate, clarification was given  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

To receive the response of the Cabinet Member to the Final Report of the High Needs Block Funding Rapid Scrutiny.

The committee received a response from the Cabinet Member to the Final Report of the High Needs Block Funding Rapid Scrutiny.

After receiving the report and moving into debate, the committee was reminded that it had been given a recommendation in the report to carry out a further Scrutiny of Local Authorities who have low High Needs Block.

It was pointed out that information that was due to be placed on the councillor’s hub as per recommendation 4 had not yet been actioned.

The finance lead would be in post by July 2023 as expected by recommendation 7.

Resolved

To nominate Cllr Jo Trigg as the committee’s representative on the council’s governance body linked with the “Delivering better value (DBV) in SEND” DfE-led programmename Jo Trigg as an overview and scrutiny member on the council’s governance body.

To arrange a meeting for the chair, vice-chair, lead of the Rapid Scrutiny and relevant officers to determine the best approach for looking into local authorities who do not have a HNB deficit. This was proposed as an additional rapid scrutiny but will also be addressed by the DBV board, therefore consideration will be given to the most efficient approach.

To note the response.

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.

If no indication is made in advance of the meeting, officers are not expected to attend.

An update including a summary of recent activities of the Wiltshire Youth Union (WYU) and Children in Care Council (CiCC).

An update was received by the committee including a summary of recent activities of the Wiltshire Youth Union (WYU) and Children in Care Council (CiCC).

The Chairman, Cllr Jon Hubbard, asked the committee to join him in congratulating Cameron Draisey from the council's Child and Youth Voice Team who received a Frontline Award at a ceremony held in London on Wednesday 17 May.

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.

An update was presented to the committee from Andrew Best, Head of School Effectiveness, which included information regarding the most recent Ofsted Inspection reports, presenting an ongoing view of the effectiveness of schools as seen by Ofsted Inspection.

It was clarified that reflection was ongoing and support was being offered to schools after the death of Head teacher Ruth Perry. Andrew emphasised that he felt the vast majority of inspections were fair and robust but there had been a slight change in tone/approach since Ruth's death.

Concern was raised at lowering numbers of Good and Outstanding grades.

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

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

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 committee considered new non-statutory guidance published by the DfE 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 was an opportunity for the committee to be aware of the latest requirements, as set out in the guidance.

A point was raised about Secondary school attendance at 91% and the need to focus on it. It was clarified that there were serious concerns about it and the issue and reasons for it were shared nationally and Wiltshire haven’t been viewed by DfE advisor as high risk.

Resolved

Committee to receive outcome of the work being undertaken with regards to low attendance (91%), in the meantime for the regular update to include a breakdown of the reasons for children not attending school and trends, especially for persistent absences for at least one session a week, to have a better understanding of the challenges.

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

There had been no meeting of Schools Forum since this committee’s last meeting.

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

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.

The committee received 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.

Councillors were reminded of an opportunity to attend drop-in sessions, as Corporate Parents, to find out more about the work at Canons House.

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.

The committee received a verbal update from Directors highlighting key issues (current or emerging), successes or milestones in their respective areas since the last meeting of the committee.

From Helean Hughes, Director for Education and Skills, the committee was notified that she will now be sharing with a co-director of Education and Skills Richard Hanks. An EHCP briefing on its timeliness was completed and has risen to 45.8%. The case backlog has dropped significantly from 389 to 253. Ben Stevens has also joined the team as Sustainability Strategic Lead. It was also clarified that the SLA is still yet to be signed by some schools, but progress is being made.

From Jen Salter, Director for Families and Children, it was announced that a report from the Institute of Public Care from Oxford Brooks University would be coming to the committee at the next meeting and would praise the council’s prevention work. Wiltshire's role as a DfE sector led improvement partner was also mentioned and how they were helping other LA’s.  The charity Front Line has approached Wiltshire to run an event about supporting social worker.

From Lucy Townsend, Corporate Director for People, it was stated that there had been a request from head of policy of Stable Homes Built on Love to visit Wiltshire, which is an opportunity to showcase work. Regionally it’s being decided whether to put in a Southwest bid to be part of a regional care cooperative. There has been lots of activity with the Health Agenda since the ICB’s establishment last July so an update to the committee was proposed. Cabinet has made a decision regarding Public Health Nursing and it is being readied to tender. Community Health will be presenting to the Health Select Committee so the Childrens Select Committee may wish to add representatives to that meeting. There is a team coming from the LGA to inquire at the impact and effectiveness of the local area partnership, the early identification of SEND and support through a graduated approach across the local area partnership, the voice and engagement of service users and families, the neurodevelopmental pathway in Wiltshire and join commissioning arrangements across the local area in Wiltshire.

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.

The committee received a verbal update from Cllr Laura Mayes, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills and also Cllr Suzanne Wickham, SEND portfolio holder highlighting news, successes or milestones in their respective areas since the last meeting of the committee.

An event was held to celebrate the independent visitor scheme. The LGA’s SEND review was stated as being the week after the meeting.

Cllr Suzanne Wickham stated that she had attended several extremely useful meetings including the SEND Continuum Event.

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).

The committee received a verbal update from the Chairman Cllr Jon Hubbard on work undertaken or news since the last meeting.

The chair invited committee members to read the outcomes of the working group placement strategy.

The chair provided feedback on his attendance of the People’s Voice Conference in Manchester. It was confirmed that Wiltshire Council is taking part in the Risk Outside the Home Pilot.

The chair noted that Wiltshire Community Foundation were bringing together youth organisations to create a more co-ordinated county wide approach.

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.

The Committee noted 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.

A vacancy on the standing task group was highlighted. It was also requested that school transport be added to the Forward Work Programme.

To note that the next scheduled meeting is due to be held on Wednesday 12 July 2023 at County Hall, Trowbridge, starting at 10.30am.

The next scheduled meeting is due to be held on Wednesday 12 July 2023 at County Hall, Trowbridge, starting at 10.30am.

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

There were no urgent items.