Decision details

Stephen Kitchman, Director for Children’s Social Care, presented the report.

Supplementary detail was provided in relation to questions on the plan and the committee heard that:

·         This was the quarter 3 report in relation to the Ofsted improvement plan.

·         In response to a question regarding Viewpoint progress,  officers advised that a revised questionnaire was being progressed.

·         Changes to IT meant that social workers now had smart phones and ipads to enable them to complete paperwork in any suitable confidential place, freeing up space in the office. Staff could access LiquidLogic – the social work recording system – from their ipads and also secure-link to e-case files from home. This offered flexibility to social workers as well as time savings.

·         Around 1/3 of the Ofsted recommendations were in relation to the ‘front door’. Fundamental changes had been made to initial contact, and the MASH was providing a more holistic view. Housing, schools representative (currently being advertised), and CAMHS had committed to joining the MASH but this had not yet happened.

·         A new early help team had been established.

·         Within the MASH there was an outcome for every referral.

·         The quarter 4 Ofsted improvement plan report would be presented to Committee as scheduled within the work programme.

It was RESOLVED that the contents of the report, and the extension of a small number of target completion dates as set out in the report, be noted.