Meeting documents

To consider this report.

The Committee considered this report for the first time which provided details of the key measures included in the corporate performance report that related to Children's Services. It set out the key activities and measures used to check performance for the year against the identified priorities. It was noted that the report did not contain details of all the other activities that together contributed to what helped make a difference to children in Somerset.

The report included key performance indicators (KPIs), to show how progress was assessed against targets and project updates. Performance was shown using performance ratings (based on the RAG ratings) and progress was shown in terms of direction of performance (DOP) through the use of arrows.

Details was provided in 6 areas with KPI’s with a commentary note to set out the areas of success, areas of concern and a focus on the next quarter.

Embed an Effective Multiagency Early Help Offer in Somerset;

Improved Multi Agency Children's Safeguarding;

Improve the Outcomes for Looked After Children;

Improve Outcomes for Vulnerable Learners;

Ensure Effective Workforce Capacity is in Place Across Children's Services;

Embedding a Learning Culture in Children's Social Care.

There was a brief discussion of the report and Members sought reassurance that there was a trail of what produces what, so that the difference between input and activity could been demonstrated. It was noted that the Committee had previously received updates about progress made in delivering the Children and Young People’s Plan (CYPP) and if these reports would complement or replace the CYPP updates. The Director of Children’s Services stated the Council was moving to an integrated approach to data management and these reports would provide the Committee with an on-going high-level summary which could allow them to obtain more details if required.

There were questions about tolerance and success with regards to how those levels and measures would be reflected in future reports. The Chair suggested and it was agreed that the Committee give consideration to allocating a Member Champion for each of the 6 key activity areas.