RESOLVED that the proposed arrangements for the Merton Safeguarding Children Partnership 2019-2021, as set out in the Cabinet report, be approved.

The Director of Children, Schools and Families presented the report and outlined the core changes to the partnership agreement, principally to move to a three statutory partner model with the Council, the Police and the CCG.  All three proposed partners were consulted in the drafting of the new Partnership Agreement, in addition extensive consultation and engagement with schools.

The Director advised that an Independent Person post would be advertised for, which was a requirement of the legislation, and in addition a young person would be engaged to work alongside the independent scrutineer.

The Chair welcomed the report and thanked all those involved in the work in this important area.  He welcomed the last OFSTED inspection which rated Children’s Services as “good” overall and “outstanding” in three areas.

RESOLVED that the proposed arrangements for the Merton Safeguarding Children Partnership 2019-2021, as set out in the Cabinet report, be approved.