Lead Member – Councillor Andy Hall, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education

Lead Officer – Sonya Miller, Service Director – Children & Young People

RESOLVED

3.1 That Cabinet acknowledge the content of the reports attached and the positive impact and outcomes that services are achieving for children and young people.  

3.2 That Cabinet acknowledge the breadth of statutory requirements being successfully delivered and achieving good outcomes for the children and young people in Shropshire.  

3.3 Where Cabinet wish to influence progress and development opportunities this can be incorporated into the plans of the Ambitions Board which will be driving forward the services continuous improvement plan.  

3.4 That Cabinet recommend to Council that it receive the Annual Report and resolve that Childrens Safeguarding training becomes a mandatory requirement for all elected Members in order that they are well equipped to fulfil their role as corporate parents. 

The Portfolio Holder for Social Care introduced the annual Children’s Services report, which provided a summary of activity across children’s social care over the past year. Members were reminded of their responsibilities as corporate parents and the importance of being fully informed about the safety, quality and outcomes of services delivered for children and young people.

The report highlighted the breadth and complexity of children’s social care.  Members were reminded that earlier in the year Children’s Social Care received an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating, with children’s residential homes also achieving Good or Outstanding ratings. The Portfolio Holder praised staff for their dedication in delivering strong outcomes despite financial pressures.

A key recommendation asks Council to require all members to complete mandatory training in children’s safeguarding and corporate parenting, reflecting statutory duties for members.  The Portfolio Holder emphasised the importance understanding these responsibilities.

Looking ahead she reported that work through the Families First Partnership and the Children’s Ambitions Board would focus on early intervention, improved outcomes, and delivering services differently across the partnership.

RESOLVED

3.1 That Cabinet acknowledge the content of the reports attached and the positive impact and outcomes that services are achieving for children and young people.  

3.2 That Cabinet acknowledge the breadth of statutory requirements being successfully delivered and achieving good outcomes for the children and young people in Shropshire.  

3.3 Where Cabinet wish to influence progress and development opportunities this can be incorporated into the plans of the Ambitions Board which will be driving forward the services continuous improvement plan.  

3.4 That Cabinet recommend to Council that it receive the Annual Report and resolve that Childrens Safeguarding training becomes a mandatory requirement for all elected Members in order that they are well equipped to fulfil their role as corporate parents.