Issue - meetings

The Sub-Committee received performance data for seven of the eight agreed indicators in quarter two. It was noted that five of the indicators have been given a RAG status. Two (40%) have a status of Green, two (40%) have a status of Amber and one (20%) has a status of Red.

The report provided the following highlights in Quarter Two:

•      The percentage of Looked After children in good or outstanding schools was within target tolerance. Two schools were inspected in June and have since been published; both receiving a ‘Good’ judgement.

•      The average number of children missing from education in Quarter 2 was higher than Quarter 1 but lower than at the same point last year.  It was noted that other boroughs have been more pro-active this year in placing pupils that have moved during the summer break, meaning Havering had been able to trace children to areas - and subsequently schools - more quickly.

•      The number of adopters approved is on target for this point in the year and higher than at the same point last year.

The update report also detailed the following areas where improvement was required:   

•      The percentage of initial child protection conferences (ICPCs) held within 15 working days was below target for the quarter but within the agreed tolerance; at 81%. It was noted that during the month of September, 100% of ICPCs were held to timescale.

•      The number of new in-house foster carers was in line with the same point last year (5) but behind the target set (8). It was noted that work remains ongoing to recruit high quality foster carers through the Face to Face Pathways Programme.  Marketing was being targeted at the caring professions (e.g. teachers, nurses and social workers), certain faith communities and those prospective carers who are prepared to look after older children, to increase the diversity of foster carers and reflect the profile of children needing care.

The Sub-Committee noted the performance update.