Agenda item

Corporate Performance Report 2024/25 for Quarter 3: 1st October to 31st December 2024

The Board received the Corporate Performance Report from the Director of Education, Early Years and Skills, Acting Director Children’s Social Care and Early Help and Head of Youth Services. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of corporate performance against agreed service business plan measures for the 2024/25.

The Director of Education, Early Years and Skills gave Members an overview of the Performance Measures & Business Plan Report for Education & Early Years. The Board heard a summary of areas where targets were being met or exceeded but focus was on areas where targets were not met. Officers explained that the figure of 51.1% of EHC Plans completed within 20 weeks was just a snapshot of a period in the last quarter, and this figure is currently over 90% which is higher than the national average. Similarly, the figure provided for Annual Reviews is improved from the report and is currently 75%, which is much improved and comparable to the national average.

Members queried whether the Officers had adequate resourcing to effectively address the increased number of EHCP’s. The number of EHCP’s issues typically increases by approximately 5% each year, last year it increased by 11% which is significantly more than expected. Officers confirmed that a movement to an online Case Management system had increased efficiency. There is also improved quality assurance with the introduction of National AI Software to support processes. These changes have ensured continuation of good service even with the increase in numbers.

In response to member queries, Officers further clarified that the increased number of EHCP’s being issued were due to combination of reasons. Some due to people moving into the areas, but figures show that 30% of the 11% increase seen last year were in early years. Work being done to support Early Years settings has led to earlier detection of SEN in children.

Next, the Board heard from the Acting Director Children’s Social Care and Early Help on the performance figures within this service. All areas but one saw an improvement since the last quarter. Officers explained that the average workload had reduced and that the number of Agency Social Workers has further reduced from the figures on the report to 25.3% because of the apprentice/training programme that has been introduced at the Council.

Members raised concerns about the number of children placed within in-house provision. Officers explained that there are initiatives in place and work being done to get closer to the target, for example there are 3 care homes currently being built. Work is also being done to look at the wider family network of children coming into care and the possibility of placing them with extended family or in kinship care.

In response to Member queries, Officers confirmed that there is grant funding in place to create extra rooms/refurbish properties to help to subsidise those who want to foster do not have the space or resources to move to a bigger property.

Finally, the Board heard from Head of Youth Services who reported that all corporate targets are being met or exceeded. The team are carrying 3 vacancies, so they are facing some challenges as Youth Services roles are known nationally are a difficult role to recruit to. In response to Member queries, Officers noted that they were also facing some challenges in finding venues to hold sessions in some districts, particularly in East Oldham, but work is being done to address this. Members commended the good word being done in Youth Services.

RESOLVED that, the Children and Young People Board notes the Corporate Performance Report.