Issue - meetings

A report providing an update on Financial Performance and Improvement Plan’ on progress regarding Children’s Social Care improvement plans and financial performance.

Julie Daniels the Director of Children’s Social Care and Early Help presented the Children’s Services - update on Financial Performance, Improvement Plan and Transformation and Sustainability Programme. It was noted that this was an update to a previous report presented to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Boardmon 20 March 2024 titled ‘Children’s Services - update on Financial Performance and Improvement Plan’ on progress in relation to Children’s Social Care improvement plans and financial performance.

Members noted the financial position the month 4 financial position of Children’s Social Care, was a forecasted pressure of £12.261m after the planned use of £0.315m of reserves.

Members noted that in terms of Children’s Social Care Demand, that Children’s Social Care continued to experience sustained high volumes and complexity of demand demonstrating the impact of contextual factors facing families in Oldham. It was explained that Services continued to effectively manage demand and maintain manageable caseloads in a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Members noted that in terms of Achieving Excellence Strategy and Improvement Programme, it was noted that there was the successful “Getting to Good strategy and improvement programme” which was being re-launched as ‘Achieving Excellence’ following the positive outcome of the recent Ofsted inspection. Service leaders across Children’s Social Care and Early Help, working with partners, continued to drive improvement in the quality of work with vulnerable children, young people, and their families.

Members noted that in terms of Children’s Transformation and Sustainability Programme. The programme had continued to deliver ambitious plans across three strategic areas: earlier support for families, workforce stability and placement sufficiency. The programme was making progress to deliver targets and has direct oversight from the lead member for children and young people. Children’s Services in Oldham are keeping children and young people safe, improving outcomes and were in a strong position to further improve the delivery of timely and effective services to support vulnerable children, young people, and their families.

Members of the Scrutiny Board were informed that the Council were piloting the new Mockingbird model, which had seen positive feedback.

In addition, there would also be 30 newly qualified social workers, which would meet previous targets set out, with Members being informed that 7 social workers were due to qualify soon.

It was noted that Cabinet, had agreed in March 2024 to create three children’s homes, with Members of the board being informed that good progress had been made with developments.

In response to Members questions concerning the Council funding the secure welfare, it was confirmed that this was a court ordered payment up to £32,000 a week. The Council had no option but to follow the court ordered payment.

In response to questions about why the council was using independent fostering carers, it was noted that this were due to a shortage in fostering carers.

RESOLVED: that-

1)    That Members of the Scrutiny Board note theupdate on Financial Performance, Improvement Plan and Transformation and Sustainability Programme report and progress made.