Issue - meetings

The Director of Children’s Care presented the latest You Matter to Us Performance Data. The information provided had been compiled using the Children’s Services Analysis Tool (ChAT) based on Ofsted’s inspecting local authority services for children (ILACS) Annex A dataset (2020)/inspection report. The following areas were highlighted:

•         The number of children in care had remained similar over the past few years.

•         There had been 120 CLA starters in the last six months.

•         There had been an increase in adoptions and Special Guardianship Orders being granted.

•         The rate of CLA per 10,000 children was becoming in line with statistical neighbours.

•         90% of current open CLA who have been looked after for at least 12 months had an up to date health assessment and 82% for dental checks. It was noted that this had got better but still needed improvement.

•         12% of all CLA with a missing incident.

•         83% of care leavers aged 17-18 were in touch with the LA and 94% 19-21 year olds.

The Chief Executive noted that the largest ‘reason episode of care ceased’ was ‘any other reason’ and asked for clarification on what this could cover.

The Director of Children’s Services advised that this could be separated further at the next meeting.

AGREED that:

•         The information provided was noted.

•         More detail be provided around the ‘any other reason’ field within the ‘Reason episode ceased’ ChAT data. If ‘aged out’ of care, this to be specified.