Agenda item

The Panel received a report which provided further evidence relating to the use of out‑of‑area specialist placements for children looked after. The report summarised comparative data for Middlesbrough against England totals, statistical neighbours, the North East region and the Tees Valley, using verified national data as at 31 March 2025.

It was noted that the percentage of children looked after who were placed more than 20 miles from home in Middlesbrough (15%) was broadly comparable with statistical neighbours (14%) and the Tees Valley average (13%), and that Middlesbrough’s position had remained consistent over the previous four years. The report also highlighted that the proportion of children placed within Middlesbrough’s local authority boundary remained lower than in comparator areas, and that there had been a small increase in cases where the distance from home had not been recorded.

A full dataset was provided, detailing the distribution of placements within and beyond 20 miles of home, and within and outside the local authority boundary, across four years of data for all comparator groups.

A discussion ensued and the following queries were raised:-

•         Members queried why some placement records showed the distance from a child’s home as “not known”. The Director explained that this could occur where live data needed to be updated, where information had not been fully completed before being submitted to the DfE, or where details were difficult to capture for children who moved frequently. It was confirmed that these issues presented learning needs for both the service and its partners.

•         Members also raised concerns about expenditure and questioned whether additional local accommodation could be developed. The Director advised that several complex factors influenced this, including changes in foster care over time and a current shortfall in provision for older children. It was reported that children’s homes were generally well occupied and that opportunities for expansion were being explored, alongside work to strengthen emergency placement options and commissioning activity to support more children to be placed closer to home.

•         In response to questions about the availability of children’s homes, the Director confirmed that Middlesbrough operated seven homes, and that all had been rated as ‘good’, or better, following their most recent inspections in their first year.

•         Members noted that Middlesbrough’s proportion of placements within the local authority boundary appeared low, although the percentage of placements within 20 miles of home was broadly comparable with other areas. The Director advised that more detailed data might be available in future but could not be verified if not formally captured.

•         Members queried whether financial factors formed part of the analysis, however, it was noted that placement costs were not directly comparable within the dataset provided. In relation to whether accommodation was shared with neighbouring authorities, the Director confirmed that there were no formal arrangements, although regional collaboration was increasing, despite national mandates not always aligning with local need.

•         In terms of working more collaboratively with local and regional neighbours in relation to fostering and residential care, it was noted that some delays were due to national reforms, including the pilot for Regional Care Collaboratives, which the North East had not taken part in, and ongoing discussions about regional approaches to foster care, residential care, and secure provision.

•         Members also commented that the findings and conclusions from this discussion would inform the final report and its potential recommendations.

AGREED that the information provided be noted.