Agenda item

Report of the Scrutiny Support Officer

Members considered the work programme planning report that set out the remit of this committee, methods of scrutiny, standard annual items and areas outstanding from the previous committee. They noted that this was a dynamic and flexible document that would change to accommodate key and emerging priorities and that it would be included on each Scrutiny meeting agenda.

On considering this report and the detail shared with them this morning from Officers and the Cabinet Member, the following areas were raised for possible future scrutiny:

·         safeguarding adolescents, particularly a cause for concern over the past year when young people have had time on their hands resulting in disruptive and anti-social behaviour, including these difficulties being more complex in some parts of the County with cross boarder issues.

·         Community safety – considering the outcome of the inquest into the Fishmonger Hall incident and the findings that there had been inadequate management of Usman Khan, a resident of Stafford. Looking at what learning had been taken from this incident and giving Members an opportunity to seek the Commissioners reassurance that safeguards were in place to prevent any such further incidents

·         young and first time parents of pre-school children and early help in supporting parental skills and development

·         young carers and how well they are supported

·         sexual harassment, abuse and/or assault in schools and how this is recognised and addressed

·         the number of those investigated for child sexual abuse that were ultimately found guilty over the past 5 years and whether these investigations were reasonable and proportionate

·         Adults Safeguarding Transformation Project

·         Further detail on developments with the outcome focussed 1-1 support, home care & community support (including domiciliary care) for Staffordshire children with disabilities, evidencing how the proposed joining of services progresses and its success and/or challenges and whether those providers that transitioned from adults to children’s provision have done so successfully, with any skills gaps addressed.

·         low level neglect and the devastating impact of long-term low-level neglect. The current changes to ways of working to address this following the tragedy in 2019, what challenges remain.

·         Prevention and early intervention

·         SEND review – responding to the review and moving forward

·         Early years – particularly under 4s children’s centre/family hubs

·         MacAlister Report – case for change

·         Governance Model – how to work better together, trying to develop a more effective model of governance

Members also noted the following standing items for inclusion:

·         Staffordshire Safeguarding Children’s Board Annual Report

·         2 reports – adults & children’s complaints & representations

·         Regular updates on CSE

The Chairman asked Members to give further consideration to the information received today and forward any further possible work programme items to either himself or the Scrutiny & Support Officer. All items raised would then be considered for inclusion through discussions between the Officer, Chairman and Vice-Chairmen,  with thought being given to timing and the range of possible methods for scrutiny, with a draft work programme brought to the July meeting for members consideration.

RESOLVED – That the items suggested for possible inclusion on the work programme be agreed, with a draft programme being brought for Members approval to their July meeting based on these suggestion.