Decision details

The Chair welcomed Sally Allen, Interim Deputy Director of Children's Services; and Barbara Bath, Head of Service Adoption, Fostering and Residential YOT, to the table.

The report presented provided a summary of the overarching findings of Lancashire's Children's Services self-assessment, prepared for the forthcoming Ofsted inspection.

The inspection had taken place in September 2015 and the findings and report had been published in November 2015.  Since then it had been a two and a half year improvement journey. There had been an investment to strengthen capacity within children's services. Children's Services had worked closely with Ofsted and there had been quarterly monitoring visits from Ofsted. The Improvement Board had scrutinised the progress of Children's Services. The Children's Services Scrutiny Committee had also played an important role in terms of scrutiny and challenge. The service felt it had made significant progress but acknowledged that further work was required.

It was noted that Lancashire had a considerable amount of independent provision in terms of fostering and residential establishments. It was highlighted to members that careful consideration was given by the service where children looked after were placed outside of Lancashire. Members requested that Children's Services look at how the number of children looked after placed outside of Lancashire could be reduced.

Resolved: That;

  i.  The report be noted.

  ii.  A briefing note be provided to members on the breakdown on Children Looked After outside of Lancashire.