Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Children’s Services presenting the annual safeguarding report

Cabinet received a report of the Director of Children’s Services providing an annual update on safeguarding.

In introduction to the report, the positive outcomes of the joint area inspection which had followed an Ofsted inspection were highlighted. The increase in the volume of safeguarding activity was noted and the factors behind this were set out.

With the agreement of the Chairman, Councillor Jackie Porter addressed the meeting. Councillor Porter drew Cabinet’s attention to the sections of the report relating to unaccompanied asylum seekers. She felt that there was detail relating to this that it would be beneficial to bring to the attention of all Members.

Councillor Porter’s comments were welcomed by the Director of Children’s Services and it was confirmed that a briefing for Members would be arranged on this fast moving area.

It was highlighted that all of Hampshire’s children’s homes were rated as good or outstanding and that the capacity of provision for children with complex needs had increased through the completion of a substantial investment in new homes. It was proposed and agreed that this success be formally acknowledged.

Cabinet welcomed the report, noting the importance of co-operation with partners such as schools and GPs for successful safeguarding outcomes. It was questioned why numbers of children missing from home had increased and confirmed that this arose from better levels of identification, working with the police. It was clarified that reducing the number of children in care was the result of positive work to lower demand and not resulting from a cut to service provision; every child who needed support would receive it.

With an amendment to acknowledge the success of and investment in care home provision by the County Council, the recommendations in the report were proposed and agreed. The decision record is attached.