Agenda item

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 there had been but that the report was embargoed. It was highlighted that the previous inspections had focused on 2 areas for improvement, access to health services and governance, and the team felt that they had acted quickly where they could on this, but they were national issues too. Members noted that the officers be commended for progress as a step forward, and noted that the figures demonstrated progress.

Members queried the figure of 114% of 2 year olds from working families benefiting from a funded early education place, noting it was more than 100%. It was noted that this was the way the funding works, noting that more people were accessing the funding than were believed to be eligible by the DfE.

Members noted the movement in the figures on EHCPs, and it was highlighted that the service prioritised initial plans over annual reviews, but that reviews were prioritised for children who need it most.

Matt Bulmer noted that it would be his last meeting of the Scrutiny Board and thanked members for their work on the Board.

Tony Decrop presented the Children’s Social Care metrics, noting that there had previously been nine reds and these were now mostly green, due to work and investment into resolving them, as well as a more stable workforce. It was noted that both ambers and reds are regularly monitored.

Members queried what the reasons were for care leavers not in education, employment or training. It was noted that there could be a multitude of reasons and that the service would always try to engage with them to see what support could be offered.

Members asked for clarity about what would constitute ‘unsuitable accommodation’. It was noted that this could be a couple of different things, from staying with friends, property that the council would disagree with or custody.

Members noted the figures on Page 24 of the agenda pack were going in the wrong direction. It was noted that only a couple of children could skew the figures, but that there were lots of reasons for this. It was noted that the service was supporting placements through mockingbird and that other outcomes depended on stable placements.

Members noted the reflection from the cabinet member, particularly around the reduction in the use of agency staff. It was noted that this had been a big area of focus and investment, particularly the ‘Choose Oldham’ campaign, and this was better for children and families.

Members queried whether the Board could do more to highlight where progress had been achieved. Others members noted the role of the Scrutiny Board was to scrutinise, not just be a backslapping exercise. Members noted the need to find a balance, including celebrating achieving progress against the odds, and the need to address problems, not just highlight them.

Jodie Barber presented the Youth Service metrics, noting that all four were on target, but that demand outweighs capacity and that the service was carrying vacancies. It was noted that the target of sessions is 2000, not 3000 as in the report.