Lead Member – Councillor Kirstie Hurst-Knight - Portfolio Holder for Children and Education

Report of Tanya Miles - Executive Director of People

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Approved the Improvement Plan (Appendix A) and recommended to Council to approve the Terms of Reference of the Childrens Improvement Board (Appendix B). The plan will be submitted to OFSTED as required.

2.     Recommended that People’s Overview Committee receive quarterly updates in relation to the plan and its progress.

The Portfolio Holder for Children and Education presented the report in which Cabinet were asked to approve the Improvement Plan prepared by the Director of People and endorsed by the Children's Improvement Board to address the issues identified by the Ofsted at their Focused Visit in November 2023.

Members were thanked for their cross party support to take action quickly.

Members noted the recruitment challenges but were advised that two new appointments had been made and work was ongoing for a localised apprenticeship offer. The Assistant Director of Children’s Safeguarding and Social Care advised members that salaries were being reviewed alongside retention of staff. Retention payments were now in place plus other benefits. It was also the Council’s aspiration to cap workloads.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Approved the Improvement Plan (Appendix A) and recommended to Council to approve the Terms of Reference of the Childrens Improvement Board (Appendix B). The plan will be submitted to OFSTED as required.

2.     Recommended that People’s Overview Committee receive quarterly updates in relation to the plan and its progress.