Agenda and minutes

Cllr Clark substituted for Cllr Alcock.

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and personal or personal and prejudicial interests.  No whip was declared.

There were no public speaking requests.

The Chairman welcomed Paul Cowling, Assistant Director Children’s Standards and Regulations, and Rachel Smith, Assistant Director Children’s Help and Protection, to the meeting.  The Chairman explained that Paul and Rachel had been invited to present the outcomes of a recent Inspection of Local Authority Children’s Services (ILACS).

Paul and Rachel gave a comprehensive presentation on the ILACS, setting out how and when the inspection occurred, and the process for checking and publishing the report.  It was confirmed that Ofsted concluded that “The impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families”, “The experiences and progress of children who need help and protection”, and “The experiences and progress of children in care and care leavers” were all rated as “Outstanding”.  The overall rating was also rated “outstanding” and there were no areas identified for improvement.

The presentation provided an overview of the local headline strengths and impacts across each of the three domains, highlighting Ofsted’s conclusion that, within North Lincolnshire “Children benefit from a consistently high standard of social work practice.  The commitment to children as a priority for the council and across the partnership is exemplary”.

The Chairman led a discussion on the presentation, with the panel asking questions about the inspection methodology, workforce issues, adoption and fostering services, the scope to continue improving, and ensuring consistency of approach.  Officers responded accordingly.

Resolved – (a) That Rachel Smith and Paul Cowling be thanked for the presentation and for responding to the panel’s questions; and (b) that the scrutiny panel’s gratitude, congratulations and recognition be passed on to all staff, volunteers and partners involved in the ILACS outcome.

There were no Added Items scheduled for discussion at this meeting.

There were no additional or urgent items to be discussed at this meeting.