Issue - meetings

To consider a joint report of the Corporate Director for People.

The Final Update Portfolio Performance and Resource Reports (PPRRs) for the Children & Families and Education Portfolios are presented for consideration by the Committee. These provide a summary of progress in delivering the portfolio priorities, reform programme and other key projects during the third quarter of the financial year (October to December). They include forecast performance and financial data (where this is available) for the Portfolios, along with an update on the portfolio savings programmes.

The Scrutiny Committee are invited to consider and comment on the report.

Officer Contact: Gaynor Ward on Tel: 0161 474 3186 or email: gaynor.ward@stockport.gov.uk

Representatives of the Corporate Director for People submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing for comment the final update Portfolio and Performance Reports for the Children & Families and Education portfolios.

The Cabinet Members for Children & Families and Education attended the meeting and answered Councillors questions in relation to the report.

Children & Families

·         The Committee discussed the increasing pressures associated with Looked After Children (LAC), children on a child protection plan (CPP) and the associated financial pressures whilst trying to provide a high quality service.

·         On behalf of the Committee, the Chair congratulated Leanne Baines and Louise Watson who had both received awards at the National Social Worker of the Year Awards.

·         Councillors noted the positive trends which included Early Years and the excellent work being undertaken by the Multi-Agency Safeguarding and Support Hub

·         Efforts to reduce childhood obesity such as The Early Days course was welcomed as was the reduction in the rate of Accident and Emergency attendances and admisisons amongst 0-17 year olds.

·         Councillors requested further information in respect to the Local Place Based Panels.

·         Campaigns associated with the recruitment of Foster Carers. Foster Care accounted for roughly two thirds of looked after children placements.

·         Councillors requested further information on what percentage of those children eligible for 30 free hours childcare provision had taken it up.

Education

·         The Authority continued to be on track to transfer all statements of SEN to EHC Plans by April 2018.

·         The Laurus Trust was working with Pendlebury PRU and had secured a secondary Alternative Provision Free School which would provide a base for up to 80 students aged 11-16.

·         The 14-19 Service had received a number of awards including a Talent Mark Gold Award and a Princess Royal Training Award.

·         In respect to key stage 4, the data from the October 2017 DfE Statistical First Release indicated that outcomes in Stockport were strong.

·         Councillors requested further information in respect to the expansion of Ludworth Primary School and post 19 SEN Transport.

·         It was further agreed that additional information be circulated in relation to the New Hope Scheme

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the Corporate Director for Place be requested to circulate the additional information to Councillors as requested.