Decision details

Alasdair Smith, director of children and families provided feedback on the outcome of the Ofsted recent inspection particularly for children in care.

Alasdair outlined the following to the committee:

·  Five HM inspectors that carried out the inspection in Southwark for about four days. They met with young people and staff members – looking into all aspects of their work.

·  He explained it was like a full inspection – the first one undertaken since the pandemic started. Alasdair said it was important to note the public had confidence in the services they provide for young people.

·  The inspectors provided the council two weeks notice to notify the council about the visit. Within those two weeks, the inspectors examined data, audit and documents. There had been focus groups – which focussed on vulnerable children, mental health and public health.

·  Overall the inspection was positive but with some improvements identified as required in specific areas.  The report itself would be published on 30 November 2020 and would be available in the public domain. It was important for the public to know about the services the council provides for young people.

·  The inspectors spoke officers and outlined their findings which included what young people and staff had said to the inspectors. Overall it was a positive inspection especially in relation to the children in care aspects, safe guarding at the front door, working with vulnerable children and working with multi-agencies.

·  The inspectors stated there were a few areas of concern which they felt needed improvement around the child protection system (work prior to court) which required stronger oversight. However, they were genuinely happy with how the council were safe guarding children during the time of Covid-19. They did  recognise  the limitations initially to engage or connect with young people virtually.

·  The inspectors felt that children continued to make progress in their education during lockdown whilst not being in school and being confined to their homes. Young people spoke about the experiences in this regard  during the inspection.

·  The inspectors recognised the challenges and difficulties around adolescence which was also a national problem. Particularly with young people that could not be looked after by their own families including the exploitation of young people outside the home. They come into the care system, which does not have solutions for them. Due to its challenges especially during Covid-19, it did put extra pressure on placement resources.

·  Another area of improvement would be to intervene and do more to help the young people much earlier in the process. Another area that was highlighted was a stronger approach and support towards children with disabilities.

Officers acknowledged the points that were identified above.

Alasdair said one of the most recognised point raised about staff and their approach with working with children in care was that staff continued to hold out hope for children.

·  The inspectors were very positive in what they saw in the leaving care service and the young people had more contact with care workers during Covid-19.

·  It was noted that young people supported one another and supported referrals to people regarding training opportunities and employment.

The youth offending service inspection:

·  Alasdair reported that her majesty’s inspectorate of probation chose Southwark as one of seven local authorities in the country to begin their inspection process after Covid-19. Southwark was considered as one of the local authorities with the best practice. The two best practices identified in Southwark was the risk assessment and impact around Covid-19. This was around mental health and isolation. A summary report highlighted the work of the seven local authorities.

The chair congratulated all the frontline workers and officers for all their hard work.

·  Alasdair took questions from members of the committee about one of the challenges with planning with the process, reviewed time in getting the right quality of care and how to get the best from a young person. He advised a pathway plan was used. The pathway plan is a planning document used for care leavers and presented into the care system.

There was a further question about access to housing and independent living for young people and care leavers; the impact it had during Covid-19 which created many challenges for staff. Officers are still working on a housing solution for care leavers because of the overall reduction in housing lets. An identified solution could be to form partnerships with the private sector.

Action:

Officers present a report at the next meeting on the housing strategy and housing opportunities for children and young people.

Officers suggested a theme workshop on housing for young people at the next corporate parenting committee.