Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence received from members of the Board.

Apologies were received from Councillor Mohon Ali as the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, and from Councillor Umar Nasheen as Deputy Cabinet Member for Skills.

There were no public questions received.

The Minutes of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Board held on 30^th September are attached for approval.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 30^th September 2025 be approved as a correct record.

Report detailing the corporate performance indicators for the first and second quarters of 2025/26.

Sheila Garara presented the Performance Assurance Report, noting that the main themes around complaints were disagreements with decisions and regular communication. It was highlighted that there were 13 live complaints, all of which were in time scale. It was noted that in regard to sickness absence and turnover, it was a challenging environment. Regarding FOIs and SARs, it was noted that there were often delays due to the complexity of cases and the agreement of the requester would be requested to deliver outside of those timescales.

Members queried the metrics for post call customer satisfaction and it was noted that this referred to satisfaction as a percentage, i.e. what percentage were satisfied with the calls. Members also noted that the overdue and completed figures didn’t quite add up. It was noted that this did not contain complaints that were still within the statutory timeframe.

Members noted the sickness absence, highlighting it was twice as bad in Childrens as it was across the council at large. It was noted that this was due to stress and the nature of the work. Members queried what the percentage meant for appraisals/ Let’s Talks, and it was noted that this referred to the completion rate. It was noted that queries around FOIs and SARS, and number of calls compared to number answered, would be picked up with the team to clarify the information.

Members queried whether there was any correlation with the times of year for sickness absence. It was noted that it was not comparing like for like, and social care is known for higher sickness absence, both nationally and across GM.

Matt Bulmer presented an update on the Education Performance metrics. It was noted that amongst Oldham’s statistical neighbours, Oldham was top for attendance in both primary and secondary schools and had the lowest number of permanent exclusions. It was noted that levels of inclusion were very high despite the levels of deprivation.

It was noted that the metric on EHCPs was red, but there was confidence it would bounce back, and it was noted that there were over 4000+ EHCPs in Oldham. It was highlighted that £1.1m in additional SEND staffing funding would help with this. A SEND inspection had taken place and the response was due in January, although the team were pleased with how the inspection went.

It was noted that around the red metric for NEET, commissioned research was being done around this subject. It was noted that it had been indicated that Oldham punches above its weight regarding support and work around NEET. It was highlighted that it remains a priority, particularly with the Employment and Skills strategy.

Members noted that with EHCPs, around 7% of the child population has one in Oldham, which is higher than the national average. It was noted that the rate of increase had slowed and more early intervention work was taking place.

Members asked that regarding the SEND inspection, whether there had been any informal feedback given. It was noted that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To note the report.

Natassja presented the report, noting the joint vision around complex safeguarding. The structure of the team was outlined and it was highlighted that the team were also working with partner agencies. It was highlighted that a focus of the team was prevention and this was being carried out with training and student inputs in schools and care homes. It was noted that 10 VR headsets were being used to provide students with workshops on decision making on knife crime and exploitation. Over 300 students had used these so far and they had been well received.

On the issue of prosecutions, it was noted that there were 132 open investigations and 38 adults had been arrested with nine ongoing police investigations. An update on Operation Sherwood was also provided. It was noted that 1200 young people had gone missing from home in 2024/25 and that return home interviews were carried out.

It was highlighred that the Complex Safeguarding Team had undergone a peer review undertaken by GM, and areas of strenght and reflection were identified. It had been noted that the feedback received from the peer review had been positive.

It was noted that on performance, there was a want to improve the figures for young people achieving a positive goal/aspiration that they had themselves set upon opening to the team, and the key priorities for 2025/26 were outlined.

Members queried whether the Councillor steering group still existed and it was noted that it did. Members also noted the work done around knives, highlighting that it was proactive, not reactive. It was highlighted that the team was linking with other LAs such as Manchester on this issue and others, such as county lines.

Members noted a need to do more on prevention and questioned whether this work was going to be extended, particularly to staff. It was noted that part of the offer was school support. It was noted that this was an area of improvement and that work was ongoing to coordinate with partners. Members also queried how homeschooled children would access these resources, and it was advised that there were provisions both for being invited into schools to take part and for alternative offerings.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

To note the report and progress to date.

Sheila Garara and Tony Decrop presented the update, noting that it is reported to scrutiny twice a year. It was noted that the Month 6 position was £5.278m overspent, and it was highlighted that the key pressure was the high cost of external placements. It was noted that most of the underspends were in relation to vacancy management, which were not affecting frontline services.

It was noted that demand for services was down due to reduced referrals, which showed that work was starting to have an impact.

It was highlighted that there were now Red, Amber, Green (RAG) ratings on the Action Plan. It was noted that the strenghts included lots of work having been done around children at risk of homelessness, young carers, multi-agency work and collaboration. It was highlighted that Oldham had the highest number of foster carers. It was noted the next children’s home would open in 2027, and that the homes that were already open had been delivered cheaper and faster than in other areas of GM. It was highlighted that First Choice Homes were launching a proactive pledge the day after the Scrutiny Board meeting.

Members noted the new Childrens Homes and queried whether financial impacts were being seen already on this. It was noted that this would take time and there were hidden costs, but that the homes were keeping young people within the borough. It was noted that there were better outcomes and more control in Council-run homes as to who was being let in in regard to external visitors etc.

Members noted the pressures in continuing health care funding, and it was noted that over the years, there had been continued reductions and this had been escalated to health bodies. It was noted that there was a need for joint commitments and that there was strict criteria, but that lots don’t meet that criteria.

Members queried Project Skyline and placements, noting that other authorities can undercut for placements. It was noted that Project Skyline’s timescales were not any time soon. It was noted that the scheme was for 10 care homes across the 10 boroughs, and that 4 were progressing so far, and one was being looked for in Oldham. These homes would be open to all ten boroughs, whereas the three the Council already has are just for Oldham. It was noted that the first Skyline opening would be December 2026. Regarding placements, it was noted that the vast majority of children were placed within Greater Manchester.

Members queried whether when young people turn 18, does the Council continue to support them if needed. It was noted that as a legal care leaver, the Council is responsible for them and offers support up to 25. Work is also carried out when young people are 16-18 to prepare them for this transition.

Members noted the £2.852m of savings to be identified by the end of 2025/26, and queried what scope there was for this. It was noted that lots of work was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To note the 2025/26 Scrutiny Board work programme.

RESOLVED: That the draft 2025/26 Work Programme be noted.

The Scrutiny Board considered the Key Decision Document, which records key decisions that the authority is due to take.

RESOLVED: That the Key Decision Document be noted.

To consider any rule 13 or 14 decisions taken since the previous meeting.

There were no Rule 13 or 14 decisions to report.