Agenda

To receive apologies for absence from those Members who are unable to attend the meeting.

To approve the Minutes of the meeting of the Board held on the 5 December 2023.

Members will be asked to say if there are any items on the Agenda in which they have any disclosable pecuniary interests or any other interests, which may prevent them from participating in any discussion of the items or participating in any vote upon the items.

Most agenda items take place in public. This only changes where there is a need to consider exempt information, as contained at Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. You will be informed at this point which items are to be recommended for exclusion and to be resolved by the Board.

The Board will receive any petitions and/or deputations from members of the public. A deputation is where up to five people can attend the meeting and make a presentation on some particular issue of concern. A member of the public can also submit a petition at the meeting relating to a matter on which the body has powers and responsibilities.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10, Members of the Public must submit a deputation in writing, at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting and shall subsequently be notified if the deputation shall be heard. A maximum of four deputations shall be heard at any one meeting.

To receive any public questions.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11, the period for the asking and answering of public questions shall not exceed 15 minutes.

Any questions must be submitted in writing at least three clear working days in advance of the meeting

The Board will consider a verbal update from a Head of Service giving an overview of work and progress in respect of the role of the corporate parent.

Contact:

Joel Hanna, Head of Service, Corporate Parenting and Children’s Residential Services

The Board will consider a report giving key highlights from the latest performance monitoring data for the Children’s Service.

Contacts:

Joel Hanna, Head of Service, Corporate Parenting and Children’s Residential Services

Vicky Metheringham, Service Director, Family Support and Child Protection

Louise Hallas, Virtual School Headteacher

Gill Addy, Designated Nurse for Looked After Children

Ian Mottershaw, Head of Service –Contextual Safeguarding and Y.E.S, Family Support and Child Protection

The Board will consider a verbal update in respect of the representation of the voice of children and young people and care experienced young people.

Contact:

Joel Hanna, Head of Service, Corporate Parenting and Children’s Residential Services

The Board will consider a report providing an update on the progress against the priorities identified in the Sufficiency Strategy 2023-2025.

Contact: Anna Gledhill, Head of Homes for Children

The Board will consider the Fostering Report October 2022 to March 2023.

Contact: Anna Gledhill, Head of Homes for Children

The Board will receive a verbal update in respect of the Virtual School Governing Body.

Contact:

Louise Hallas, Virtual School Headteacher

The Board will receive a verbal update in relation to the Children’s Ambition Board.

Contacts:

Kieran Lord, Interim Service Director (Resources, Improvement and Partnerships)

Vicky Metheringham, Service Director (Family Support and Child Protection)

The Board will consider verbal updates from Board Members in relation to progress and key issues following interaction with Services and partners to challenge the role of the Corporate Parent.

Contact:

Jodie Harris, Principal Governance and Democratic Engagement Officer

The Board will consider the agenda plan for 2023/24.

Contact:

Jodie Harris, Principal Governance and Democratic Engagement Officer