Issue - meetings

Ann Graham, Divisional Director, Complex Needs and Social Care, presented the report which provided a review of operational service developments and inspections over the 2013/14 financial year, an overview of local demand pressures and outcomes of the Ofsted Inspection in May 2014 of services for children in need of help and protection, children looked after and care leavers.  Overall performance was going well and there had been a period of increased stability, the full details of which were contained within the report.

Ann Graham drew particular attention to both the Adoption Service and the successful launch on 1 April 2014 of the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), which was based in Barking, and the partners involved with it. 

The Chair commended the report as providing a comprehensive overview, which was particularly usable for non-child care specialists.

The Board:

(i)  Noted the work undertaken over the year:

(ii)  Noted the service improvements contained within the review report and action taken in response to local demand pressures; and

(iii)  Noted the content and outcomes of the Ofsted inspection of services for children in need, looked after children, care leavers and the Local Authority Children’s Services' Improvement Plan, as set out in the report.