Minutes of the Wokingham Safeguarding Children Board

Transcription

1 Minutes of the Wokingham Safeguarding Children Board Wednesday 29 th November am 12.30pm Shute End, Wokingham Chair: Alex Walters Independent Chair (AW) Attendees: Anthony Heselton Head of Safeguarding, SCAS (AH) Carol Cammiss Assistant Director QA & Safeguarding, WBC (CC) Observer in post Jan 18 Christine Dale Assistant Director Integrated Mental Health Services, BHFT, (CD) Claire Robinson Head Teacher, Holme Grange School (CR) Corrina Gillard Head Teacher, Emmbrook Infant School (CG) Debbie Simmons Nurse Director, Berkshire West CCGs (DS) Emma Kettle Service Development Manager, BWA (EK) Jane Winterbone Interim Assistant Director Education, WBC (JW) Julia Powers Senior Probation Officer, National Probation Service (JP) Representing Melanie Smith Karen Cridland Director of Children s Services, (CYPF) BHFT (KC) Kevin Williams Senior Probation Officer Thames Valley CRC (KW) Representing Hannah Powell Lisa Humphreys Assistant Director of Children s Services, WBC (LH) Liz Stead Head of Safeguarding Children, Berkshire West CCG s (LS) Nicci Morris Head Teacher, Hillside Primary School (NM) Paul Brown Social Inclusion Officer, Reading Football Club Lay Member (PB) Paul Senior Interim Director of Peoples Services, WBC (PS) Peter Whittaker WSCB Lay Member (PW) Shaun Virtue Superintendent, TVP (SV) Apologies: Christopher Nicklin Emma Bourdakou Louise Noble Mark Ashwell Patricia Pease Simon Price In Attendance For Board Support: Sherrie Newell Nadine Morton Interim Safeguarding Programme Manager, WBC (CN) Service Manager, CAFCASS, (EB) Head of Services for CAMHS and CYPF (LN) Lead Member Children s Services, WBC (MA) Associate Director of Safeguarding and Mental Health, RBHFT (PP) Head of Housing Health & Wellbeing, WBC (SP) WSCB Business Manager WBC (SN) WSCB Administration Support, WBC (NaM) Minutes of the Wokingham Safeguarding Children Board 1. Welcome And Apologies Chair Alex Walters The Chair welcomed the group and noted the strong attendance for the meeting. Introductions were made and AW welcomed Paul Senior as interim DCS and Carol Camiss as the permanent WBC AD for Quality Assurance & Safeguarding, who takes up post in Jan 18. For clarification apologies are not always noted in the minutes as some agency members attend on a rotational basis (e.g. schools) or for those members who provide a representative for the meeting. 2. Minutes of Previous meeting held on 20 th September 2017 and matters arising - paper 2a The Board agreed that the minutes were a correct record of the meeting held on 20 th September There were no matters arising. Page 1 of 8

2 WSCB Actions, Risk and Concerns Log 2b 1. Is safeguarding training accessible, sufficient and impact of good quality? The evaluation of the long term impact of training in the West of Berkshire is reaching completion. The submission deadline for the training needs analysis is Friday 1 st December. Item to remain on the concerns log pending update on training sub group and the Training Needs Analysis and Evaluation at the January Board. Action: Training sub group report to the January Board Beccy Herron. 2. CAMHS staff recruitment. KC noted the continued challenge locally and nationally around recruitment into the CAMHS service. Item to remain on concern log pending update at the January Board. The lead officer allocated to this action is Karen Cridland not Debbie Simmons. Action: CAMHS staff recruitment local waiting times impact for children to the January Board KC. Action: CAMHS staff recruitment allocation lead to be changed from Debbie Simmons to Karen Cridland - SN/NaM 3. Delay in LAC Health Assessments - LS There is a significant concern around the delays in LAC health assessment for children placed 20+ miles of Berkshire. Work has been undertaken to escalate this as a national issue and substantial time has been spent negotiating with other L.A s to secure health assessments for LAC. The CCG are awaiting a response from NHS England. LH advised there is an overall plan to bring all LAC children back into Wokingham. The CPB are sighted on this issue and we can be assured alternative health provision is found for Wokingham LAC, although there is a delay for those children who are asylum seekers. DS added that as a paid for service there should not be any reason for these assessments not to take place. Action: AW to speak to colleagues at today s Berkshire Chairs meeting to provide narrative, scrutiny and feedback around any actions implemented to improve issues around the delay in LAC health assessments. AW to provide an update at January Board. 4. JTAI actions - Agenda Item and to remain on the Risk and Challenge Log 5. GP reports to CPC - LS Concerns around the number of GP reports to CPC are ongoing. The Designated GP is working closely with the CCG to improve reporting to CPC s and some improvement has been noted, although progress is slow. GP CPC reporting has been added to the CCG quality assessment dashboard to enable each CCG to monitor its own performance. Item to remain on the concerns log pending further updates. 3. Work to Strategies and Improvement Plans Mash Update and Mash Development PID paper 3a & 3b LH provided an update on the development of the MASH development programme and work streams and alignment with the JTAI action plan. The responsibility for MASH and public protection within TVP is led by Chris Innis (CI) and not Shaun Virtue. The programme includes: An assessment of the structure, process and scope of MASH The formation of the MASH strategic board subgroup in November 2017 Page 2 of 8

3 A partnership review to evaluate strengths and development potential of the MASH to feed into the development plan-workshops have been established. MASH process mapping The review of adult and children social care referrals and whether a linked service would offer a more comprehensive holistic overview of the whole family. The review and challenge of RAG rating to prevent drift. The introduction of improved IT equipment and accommodation. The review of information sharing to challenge the restrictive view of how MASH should be used. LH acknowledges that this is a large piece of work and the partnership needs to look at a holistic approach to build a comprehensive work plan. The group discussed a Pan Berkshire option and the potential challenges in resources, consistency of service, staff turnover and how to retain local area focus whilst building a common standardised structure. It was agreed that this development would provide opportunities to link with DARIM, MARAC and representation from schools. Action: LH/CI - The MASH feedback/update to March LSCB agenda JTAI Neglect Action Plan and TOR for Task and Finish Subgroup paper 3a The Chair informed the board that Caroline McKenna (CM) was due to present this agenda item, however due to unforeseen circumstances Caroline was unable to attend. The JTAI action plan was submitted as required to Ofsted in October 2017, bringing together partner contributions. There is evidence of progress within some areas of the JTAI action plan - RAG rated green, however there is a need for a continued momentum by a short life task and finish group, to oversee the implementation of the work. LS noted that the focus of the JTAI is being looked at and monitored in other localities especially those agencies that work across all L.A s in Berkshire. The TOR for the Task and Finish Subgroup included the proposed membership. Carol Cammiss will Chair the subgroup on commencement of her post in January 2018 and in addition to members identified in the TOR, AW extended an open invite to all members to join the subgroup. The Chair noted the challenges of making a smart action plan due to how the JTAI report was presented but work has been undertaken to ensure that the plan is aligned with the WSCB business plan. The Board were invited to comment on the JTAI Action Plan and it was agreed that the action plan is comprehensive but there was challenge around how we can measure and monitor impact for children and identify outcome measures. It was suggested that the task and finish group could undertake this piece of work in January. The board suggested linking the plan to the performance dashboard to evidence what has changed and provide robust feedback to the WSCB. It was also felt imperative that there is focus on what changes mean for the child, a need to capture what good looks like. The Chair proposed a timescale of six months for the subgroup to oversee the JTAI actions and provide an update to the May Board. LH advised the board that CM had contacted The Children s Society (TCS) to devise a tiered training programme both single agency and multi-agency to provide appropriate training to professionals on neglect aimed at their level of specialism, from school crossing patrol personnel to pastoral teachers etc. The detail of this will be provided to the LSCB. Action: JTAI task and finish group programme and updates to May Board CC. Action: TCS training information to be collated and disseminated to the board SN Draft WSCB Business Plan paper 3e Page 3 of 8

4 The LSCB Business Plan timeframe has been extended as previously agreed and would maintain the three identified priorities. EK noted that through the business plan development process the reference to domestic abuse was no longer captured clearly under the Neglect category. LH advised that significant work has been undertaken around domestic abuse however the business plan needs to reflect this. The board agreed sign off on the Business Plan pending amendment to capture DA within the Neglect Category. Action: SN to amend the WSCB Business Plan to include a specific focus on D.A. WSCB Budget Report paper 3f The WSCB spend is within budget and financial reserves should be carried over for future use in 2018/19. The LSCB has not approached agencies for WSCB funding 2018/19 but this would be formally undertaken. Action SN Funding around Lottie Training for schools was discussed, NM advised that two years ago school had been informed that this training would be made available. AW advised schools would usually fund their own training. DS highlighted that Wokingham schools are the only ones to contribute to the LSCB in Berkshire, which is really positive, although the proposed merger of the 3 LA boards may impact on this. It was agreed that clarification would be sought and further discussion on the use of the budget in 18/19 once position confirmed. Action SN 4 Policies and Procedures Subgroup Update paper 4a The Chair noted the Pan Berks Policies and Procedures subgroup has become a more effective group over the last twelve months due to its : Strong leadership, clear structure and six monthly updates. Gaps in membership have been identified and there is now improved multi-agency engagement. The group has a robust programme in place to revise and update the Pan Berks policies and procedures. The group welcomes partner agencies to report any noted inaccuracies for review/amendment. The Chair noted the role of LSCB members to ensure the 6 monthly updates to all policies and procedures are disseminated within their agencies. West of Berkshire Case review Group (CRG) update paper 4b LS presented the West of Berkshire CRG Subgroup update to the Board apologising for the omission of the three LA logos on the report. The report provided the Board with a brief overview of the case review group work: Meetings are undertaken quarterly to review cases and decide whether the SCR criteria are met and whether there is multiagency learning. The group is still evolving and development is being undertaken to identify what platform could be used to review cases more successfully. The group is looking at out of area serious case reviews to inform learning. PS asked if there was any form of overview and analysis for the timely overview of cases to help identify patterns and trends to feed into the LSCB priorities. Mapping around national trends was also discussed and AH suggested that these could be looked at annually as a benchmark. Action: LS to feedback to the CRG group the Board s suggestion around undertaking a piece of work to develop the analysis of cases to identify emerging patterns and trends to feed into the development of priorities for the LSCBs Page 4 of 8

5 5 Working Together Consultation Document paper 5 The Board had received the consultation documents and the Association of Independent LSCB Chairs (AILC) Briefing The Chair provided an overview of the legislation and consultation timetable prior to asking members to work in small groups to respond to the key consultation questions to enable a joint LSCB response by the 31 st December. A Government response to the consultation is expected in April 2018 with the revised Working Together 2018 and associated regulations. The National Association of Chairs have set out main changes for safeguarding in local areas.the consultation process poses 27 questions and the Chair would like members to consider the following key points: What is the purpose and what functions are we expected to deliver? What are the risks of not having clear governance and accountability? How do we maintain local focus for case reviews? What are the potential implications/risks/opportunities? Members formed small groups and initial feedback included: Concerns around potential risk of losing school engagement particularly due to many schools moving towards academy status. Concerns around the CDOP process if the geographical footprint is too large focus could move away from the children and become process for process sake. Would we be doing the best for the children and their families? The importance of maintaining an independent chair in the future. Action: SN - To collate WSCB feedback and forward to the Chair for inclusion in a response from the WSCB. 6 Performance and Quality Assurance paper 6, 6a & 6b Quality and Performance Subgroup (Q&P) update WSCB Performance Dataset Q&P Annual Report LS provided an update from the P&Q subgroup advising that although attendance was light at the October meeting the group undertook a lengthy review of the dataset which provided a clear snapshot of safeguarding and gave focus and challenge for the group to take forward. Concerns highlighted include: Persistent school absences and how the reduction in EWO service may be posing significant challenges to schools CSE indicators and benchmarking D.A crime and non-crime data could data from DARIM provide a clearer picture of what the child s lived experience is and whether these incidents are being monitored. The increase in children subject to Child Protection Plans A request for improved agency narrative has been raised with agencies which would improve quality of understanding and challenge. Audit programme- A piece of work would be beneficial around coercive control and how low level toxicity is affecting the lives of children. There will be an audit of the front door in Q4. The group welcomes single agency audits to come to the group however representation from the agency/organisation is needed to provide narrative and learning. The L& D subgroup is working well and a West of Berkshire 2 hour forum is being held on Neglect in January twice with a focus on the findings from the neglect audit and JTAI. These are free events. Page 5 of 8

6 The Comms and Engagement subgroup has recently been developed, membership is now more robust and a virtual meeting was held in November to progress work. From January CC will Chair the Q and P sub group. The WSCB extended thanks to LS for her commitment and strong leadership of the Q&P Subgroup. 7 Family Justice Board - paper 7 A quarterly report was provided to the board from Kevin Gibbs, Chair of the Berkshire Family Justice Board. The Chair highlighted to members two points for consideration: Current data narrative does not provide a clear picture of how we compare to national figures There is concern around the capacity of Court both in terms of actual space and availability of Judges especially in light of Judge Oliver s sudden resignation. Kevin Gibbs will attend the Berkshire Chairs & Business Managers meeting this afternoon; this will be an opportunity to receive feedback from KG around these concerns. Action: Update to be brought to January Board - AW 8 School Safeguarding S.175 Survey update paper 8 JW provided the board with an update on the School Safeguarding S.175 survey. In 2016/17 just under 60% of schools responded to the survey, a review was undertaken and the following key issues noted: There is a lot of duplication for schools on the boundary with other L.A s/lscbs. Consideration to be given to schools submitting one response in alternative formats to those LSCBs. Currently there is no sense of Early Years and it s recommended that the Early Years manager provide an annual report to board to ensure our Early Years providers are compliant. JW suggested a robust process should be developed to provide scrutiny and reassurance around school safeguarding. PS queried how we can challenge and suggests a need for a tight plan of action with oversight. The Chair highlighted the lack of compliance and that the LA need find solutions to assure the board children are safeguarded. West Berkshire LSCB has developed work with schools in their L.A. to form a robust S175 process that provides a high level of quality assurance. The Chair has already discussed the offer from West Berks to work with Wokingham and Reading to develop arrangements and support schools around S175 returns for 17/18 and onwards. Action: Add to schools safeguarding S175 returns to the concerns log. Action: Safeguarding in Early Years settings to be added to concerns log. 9 Annual Reports paper 9 CDOP Annual Report The CDOP annual report was presented to the board noting that there were of a similar level of child deaths (46) as in the previous year, this is a decreasing trend over the last few years. Rachel Wardell, DCS People in West Berkshire and Vice Chair was covering the vacant chair role of the pan-berkshire subgroup, which was a statutory requirement arising from Working Together Overall the number of child deaths was similar to 15/16 and showing a decreasing trend. 7-11% of the child deaths had modifiable factors- Co-Sleeping Alcohol Consanguinity UTI in expectant mothers Sepsis A recent multi-agency training day had been successful, organised by CDOP with another planned for Page 6 of 8

7 March The Chair noted the significant work undertaken by CDOP which is a high functioning panel that provides good process, analysis of themes and multi-agency working. 10 Keep Children Safe While Practices and Procedures Change paper 10 Arrangements for Children who go Missing from Care and Home LH presented the report to the board in Caroline s absence to raise awareness of children missing from home and care. There is work to review the Return Home Interview (RHI) process, including defining the difference between absences and missing and when to utilise a level of judgement in applying resources. Interviews are not necessarily effective in preventing missing cases happening again and engagement with individuals can be difficult; 100% of missing children are offered RHIs. There has been an issue around the timeliness of return home interviews and Caroline McKenna undertook a piece of work to ascertain whether commissioning arrangements should be reviewed. There is a spot purchasing arrangement with NYAS but local To note is the quality of questions missing children are asked and the persistence of staff to engage with and see them has improved since being brought in house. The board discussed the benefits of education being included in the process for RHI for children missing from care, home and education with governance and oversight is needed. Action: Update on the progress and assurance of children who go missing to include timeliness, the quality of assessments and improved oversight to be tabled to the January board. 11 Signs of Safety task and finish group draft proposal report and Terms of Reference - papers 11a & 11b The Board were provided with the Terms of Reference for the WSCB Participatory Conferences Task and Finish subgroup. Work has already been undertaken and a meeting is scheduled for 4 th December. Action: Signs of Safety Task and Finish subgroup update to the March Board. 12 Annual Reports paper 12a Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) 12a LH noted work is being undertaken to transition the CSE group to something more encompassing in line with strategic priorities, to consider other forms of exploitation, both sexually, gang related, county lines and peer to peer. Governance- A review of the terms of reference has been agreed for the pan Berkshire CSE sub group and this will consider data/information sharing improvements including on disruption would be beneficial as seen in other areas and consider the links to local sub groups. Attendance for the local subgroup has been challenging since March and LH will contact agency partners to request improved membership and attendance. Training has been provided and QAd by the L+D sub group positively Focus for the group includes: Significant assessment of early help and social care training provision Looking at the broad scope of wider exploitation, in line with JTAI recommendations Improvement to data sharing Triangulation of vulnerable young people susceptible to being exploited Out of area LAC children drawing their exploiters into the area or seeking out local exploiters Page 7 of 8

8 Exploitation is of increasing concern and LH queried whether the LSCB could look at a strategy around county lines / drug use. Police in London have targeted these groups which is improving the situation therefore removing the exploitation threat to vulnerable children. 13 Annual Reports Information Only 14 AOB BHFT Safeguarding Children Annual Report 13a RBHFT Safeguarding Annual Report 13b Corporate Parenting Board (CPB) 13c CG requested that the WSCB website is updated to include the latest safeguarding level of need matrix document. Action NaM to update the WSCB website Levels of Need document by Friday 8 th December. PW suggested that the Board consider adding how the reduction of EWO service is impacting on school attendance for monitoring on the concern log. Shan Ratcliffe will be bringing a report on the impact of elective home education to the January Board which will provide further information to inform level of concern. AH wished to highlight to the board concerns around how assured we can be of the DBS process as a recent case involving 4 Local Authorities has established that an individual succeeded in having a previous abuse conviction removed by the European Court of Human Rights. A response in relation to this case from the DBS has been requested and is currently pending. KC advised that BHFT is commissioned to provide overnight respite care however a current recruitment crisis (70% vacancy rate in January) is affecting this service provision. Support is being outsourced successfully by CCGs and local hospices to meet current need. Action: Add to concern log: The overnight respite service provision is at risk due to the BHFT recruitment crisis. LH informed the Board that a private fostering campaign is being undertaken to raise awareness and provide a single point of contact for advice. An audit would be beneficial to gauge awareness and engagement and LH requests that the LSCB consider this audit opportunity. LH advised children s social care service are handling an unprecedented recent increase in the volume of referrals and assessments resulting in increasing numbers of children subject to child protection plans (which have increased to 103) and LAC cases. She is proposing holding an extraordinary group to review this, key people will be invited to discuss this issue and feed back to the LSCB. Future meeting date: Wednesday 24 th January am 12.30pm Shute End David Hicks Room 2 (GF2) Page 8 of 8