Decision details

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report providing an update on the process and positive outcome of the most recent Ofsted focused visit to Leeds under the new Inspection of Local Authority Services (ILACS) framework. In addition, the report also provided an overview of all the inspection frameworks that the Children and Families directorate and partners were currently subject to, and detailed the further work proposed in order to continue to develop services and support for children looked after and care leavers.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding the inspector’s comments on Personal Education Plans (PEPs), the Board received further information and assurance on the work that was being undertaken to continue the development of PEP provision in Leeds.

Also in response to a Member’s enquiry, the Board was provided with an update on the actions being taken to respond to the inspectorate’s recommendations arising from the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) inspection which was carried out in 2016.

In conclusion, Members highlighted the Council’s commitment to the continued development and improvement of the services provided by the Children and Families directorate in Leeds, and emphasised how the inspector’s comments together with ongoing partnership working were key to achieving this goal.  In addition, the importance of this Ofsted inspection outcome was acknowledged, whilst the Chair, on behalf of the Board, extended her thanks to all of those who had contributed to it. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the unique pressures of the inspection regimes that the Children and Families directorate is subject to, be acknowledged, together with the potential reputational and financial risks inherent in every inspection;

(b)  That the positive findings of Leeds’ most recent Ofsted ILACS focused visit on services and support for children looked after, be noted as a further contribution towards the positive national and international reputation of Leeds within the children’s social work sector;

(c)  That endorsement be given to the proposed direction of travel for the further review of, and improvements to services for children looked after and care leavers, with it being noted that such actions will be led by the Head of Service for Children Looked After;

(d)  That the development of the new strategy under the leadership of the Head of Service for Children Looked After be supported, with support also being provided for the Corporate Parenting Board to lead on such work in order to ensure its successful implementation.