There were no apologies for absence

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed.

There were no declarations of pecuniary interests

A panel member asked how the progress of children in care is measured. It was reported that key performance indicators are used alongside assessments and reviews. Childrens voices are heard through the Bright Spot Survey.

In response to questions, it was reported that:

In semi-independent accommodation there is responsible adult present. Quality assurance checks are undertaken on homes. Over 18s can access independent living when appropriate.

Health assessments, dental checks, eyesight checks are undertaken for looked after children.  These take place alongside holistic checks including the emotional wellbeing of the child.

Details on the number of private children’s homes in Merton will be provided to the panel.

The children’s voice is represented in the Corporate Parenting Strategy.

Young people were listened to, and feedback had been provided on participation and involvement, and increasing time with birth families.

Challenges in recruiting foster carers is reflected across London. The council is working with London Commissioning alliance, using a digital campaign which is working effectively.

The Panel would like an update from the Catch 22 team to look at the number of youth workers and impacts of cuts to the service.

There is a significant shortage of secure children’s homes, early work is being undertaken to scope a secure children home for London.

The Panel asked for the number of children placed in secure homes out of borough.

Merton takes its role as a corporate grandparent very seriously and supports young people if they have a child.

It was reported that some specific groups are targeted for foster carers such as the LGBTQI community.

It can be difficult to place larger sibling groups, but the Mockingbird model supports this with regular meet up time.

RESOLVED

The Chair thanked officers for their presentation.

The Head of Education Inclusion and Head of School Improvement gave an overview of the report.

In response to questions, it was reported that:

In regard to truancy rates and children going away for holidays, the department work with headteachers and provide briefing for governors. There are also early help workers. The truancy levels in Merton are better than London and national rates.

If parents are home schooling, they are responsible for the curriculum but there is a link to the school nursing service.

During pandemic remote working made writing difficult. There are expertise in advisory teams working with schools to help with key stage two writing.

There are plans underway to mark the 75^th anniversary of Windrush both within the council and in schools. 

The Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning highlighted the high level of success in Merton schools.

Congratulations were extended to the Executive Director for Children Schools and Lifelong Learning for being shortlisted for an LGC Award.

A panel member asked if the pay allowance is an issue for foster carers. It was reported that during exit interviews, allowance was not an issue as Merton pay above minimum allowance.

The Head of Performance, Improvement and Partnerships gave an overview of the report.

A panel member noted several red and amber indicators and asked about the impact of this on children. The Assistant Director for Children’s Social Care and Youth Inclusion said the impact is different for each target.  If there are any concerns, it is escalated to senior managers.

A panel member said a fact sheet for this panel would be helpful. This would be similar to ward profiles and include data on schools, Ofsted rating, school population. It could be provided at the start of the scrutiny year.

A panel member said accessibility and availability of reports can make scrutiny difficult. More time is needed to consider reports.

A panel member would like more in-person visits to community organisations and more service users attending the panel meetings.