Decision details

The Corporate Director – Children’s Services presented a report in response to the Ofsted report following the March inspection of services for children in need of protection, children looked after and care leavers – published 13 May 2015.  It provided an update on the Children Improvement Plan and presented the Children Looked After Strategy for agreement.

One of the key recommendations in the Ofsted Report was for the Council to produce and implement a Children Looked After Strategy.

The aim of the Strategy was to set out a vision for Cumbrian children and young people who are looked after that enables them to achieve their potential and have the best lift chances possible.

The Strategy formed a critical part of the Improvement Plan that was being managed through the Children’s Improvement Board.  Through this process the actions sitting underneath the plan would be monitored.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services paid tribute to the work of the outgoing of the Safeguarding Board Chair Ann Baxter, for her leadership, advice, challenge and support during her tenure.

Following discussion about the issue of support for those children leaving care and the changes to the housing benefit regime it was agreed to raise the matter with the County’s six local MP’s.

RESOLVED,that progress with the Children’s Improvement Plan be noted and the Children Looked After Strategy be approved.

PART 2 ITEMS CONSIDERED IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC