Agenda item

Officers introduced the report entitled "Update Previous Review of the Committee - Early Intervention Services". The report provided details on the recommendations made by Committee during their major review of the Effectiveness of Early Help to Promote Positive Outcomes for Families in 2015 - 2016.

In summary, it was highlighted that good progress had been made in areas but there still remained areas of development. The following key points were noted:

·         The service continued to develop and implement its early intervention and prevention delivery model. Services continued to progress and evolve within the strategic and operational environment it worked in.

·         Further work was being undertaken to remodel the children and families division of the service. The report detailed how the services were developing an integrated locality based approach for council managed child and family developmental services. Recruitment for the new locality model was almost complete

·         Officers had developed partnership working with regard to the delivery of early intervention and prevention services. Four key behaviours underpinned the strategy and this included; understanding together; planning together; delivering together and learning together. A number of initiatives and projects had been developed to increase data and information sharing.

·         In order to promote the early help offer to families and professionals, officers had created a portal called "Connect to Support" which included the Local Offer for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Officers, parents and practitioners had worked together to develop the website.

Members commented that it was a good report and it was good to see improvement.

There were some concerns raised in relation to the figures relating to children missing education referrals received. Members expressed concern about 29 referrals   a month and considered it to still be high. Officers explained that there was expected to be a seasonal reduction in referrals. There were a range of checks in place. Also a contribution to this figure could be owed as a result of families moving elsewhere.

Members questioned how the reorganisation of childrens centres was progressing.  Officers confirmed that there was significant change introducing the new models in children centres. The model was fully recruited, with more senior posts being filled. The best people for the roles had been appointed. It was considered that the new model would bring a new perspective. Although new recruits may not know the area they worked in well, they would be able to offer other skills and experiences.

The main ambition for children in the Borough was to ensure that every child got the best start in life and that they were able to transition to adult life with the right support mechanisms in place.

Members also questioned whether more could be done on prevention to raise awareness of the different services available to parents and their children. Members asked whether there was any way the Council could work with schools to reach out and let them know what was on offer such as LINK and educating parent. Officers confirmed that there were strong communication with schools and fortnightly Head Teacher briefings were issued to schools about the services. Officers would feedback back to schools and encourage schools to communicate with parents about the different services available.

RESOLVED -

1)    That officers be thanked for their work;

2)    That the report be noted; and

3)    Another update be put on the work programme for 2017/18.