appendix 2 - apa action plan 2009

Appendix 2 - Southampton APA Action Plan

1

Introduction The 2008 Ofsted annual performance assessment (APA) of Southampton judged the services delivered to children and young people as ‘adequate’ (APA grade 2). This two year plan contains the actions the Council and key partners will take to address the “important weaknesses and areas for development” identified in the APA to ensure the Ofsted judgement returns to ‘good’ in 2010. The Children & Young People’s Plan contains all the priorities for improving outcomes for children and young people, including those identified by Ofsted. The action plan has been produced by Southampton City Council and the Children and Young People’s Trust, in consultation with the Government Office South East regional leads, who have endorsed the plan. The action plan strengthens the management actions already being implemented to improve services since the APA judgement in November 2008. Consequently, there have been significant improvements in performance in relation to some of the identified weaknesses, for example: both short and long term placement stability for children looked after; the number of first time entrants to the youth justice system; the numbers of reprimands, final warning and convictions of children looked after; care leavers with pathway plans. Links have been made, and are ongoing, with other local authorities who are deemed to be “excellent” in the relevant areas of performance. Note: there a considerable number of new national indicators for which there is no data for 2007/08, the national average or statistical neighbour authority average. This is indicated by N/A in most cases.


2

Identified Weakness in APA (1) Be Healthy: “The teenage conception rate has increased to a level above that of similar councils and nationally. At is current rate of reduction, the council will not meet its 2010 target for reducing teenage pregnancies.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)

By when NI outturn 2007/08

SN Average 2007/08

England Average 2007/08

NI outturn 2008/09

NI target 2009/10

NI 112 -19.5%

-7.6%

-10.7%

Expected Feb. 10

-32.7%

Reduce number of teenage conceptions to that of similar councils and nationally in the first instance. The plan reflects the 2009/10 national target. The 2009/10 target is subject to change based on local performance and trends. The DCSF Teenage Pregnancy Unit conducted detailed research through their ‘Deep Dive’ analysis to identify the characteristics that correlate with significant reductions in teenage conception rates. 11 characteristics were identified. These have formed the basis of our self-assessment and our strategy plan

Implement Teenage Pregnancy Strategy (see separate teenage pregnancy action plan and timescales) Major actions from Teenage Pregnancy Strategy Action Plan: • Monitor local dataset on a quarterly basis. • Hold quarterly service reviews with all contracted

service providers. • Identify the most effective ways to communicate

with young people. • Review proxy conception statistics twice a year. • Extend nurse-led on school site sexual health

provision to 8 out of 12 secondary sites. • Maintain nurse-led on college site sexual health

provision to all 3 college sites • Ensure targeted SRE delivery through foundation

contract. • Deliver 2009/10 Integrated Training Programme. • Develop Children & Young People’s Trust SRE

Policy to reflect multi-agency programme of work, including colleges and the voluntary sector.

• Target sex and relationships provision to the most vulnerable young people.

• Ensure Integrated Youth Support Sex & Relationships Policy in place.

• Parentline Plus to run 3 parent/carer and child bonding sessions, especially targeting fathers and boys.

• Organise a city-wide conference for Raising Aspirations.

• Launch and review Under 18’s teenage parent pre-CAF process.

AA/SR As detailed in action plan NI113

0.56% Not yet available

Not yet available

(a) 14.9% (b) 0.56%

(a) 17% (b) not yet set


3

NI 112 – (LAA indicator) The change in the rate of under 18 conceptions per 1,000 girls aged 15-17 years NI 113 (a) - Proportion of 15-24 year old population screened for chlamydia NI 113 (b) - Number of positive diagnoses for chlamydia in the 15-24 year old population


4

Identified Weakness in APA (2) Be Healthy: “The quality of personal, social and health education is too variable, especially in the area of sex and relationships.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)


SN Average 2007/08


NI outturn 2008/09

NI target 2009/10

NI 112 -19.5%

-7.6%

-10.7%

Expected Feb. 10

-32.7%

Personal, social and health education is high quality and consistent across the city. Coordinated provision from PCT/SCC/Schools and Colleges/ voluntary providers and other agencies

• Evaluate the integrated training programme • 5 secondary teachers to undertake PSHE certificate

programme • Implement recommendations from the SRE Review • Develop Children & Young People’s Trust SRE

Policy to reflect multi-agency programme of work See also detailed actions 6 & 7 in the Teenage Pregnancy Action Plan

AA/SR PN PN AA/SR

By Feb 10 From May 09-Feb 10 Sept 09

NI113 0.56%

Not yet available

Not yet available

(a) 14.9% (b) 0.56%

(a) 17% (b) not yet set

NI 112 – (LAA indicator) The change in the rate of under 18 conceptions per 1,000 girls aged 15-17 years NI 113 (a) - Proportion of 15-24 year old population screened for chlamydia NI 113 (b) - Number of positive diagnoses for chlamydia in the 15-24 year old population


5

Identified Weakness in APA (3) Be Healthy: “Waiting times for speech and language therapy, following initial assessment, remain too long.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)

By when

Position at APA 2007/08 Target 2009/10

Waiting times for speech and language therapy to reduce from 7 months to 18 weeks total pathway from referral to therapy. The Local Authority and partner agencies work to ensure that the acquisition of Speech Language and Communication (SLC) skills by babies and children is prioritised by all Early Years providers. All relevant agencies work with parents/carers to support the development of SLC skills. Clear pathways exist for children identified with SLC needs.

• Undertake review of speech and language provision including: � analysis of performance data and benchmarking � gap analysis based on recommendations from

the Bercow Report • Develop joint commissioning strategy • Apply to become Speech and Language Therapy

(SLT) Commissioning Pathfinder • Direct programmes/strategies for early years’

providers to develop skills to assist children in developing communication abilities. Achieved through: � Implementation of Every Child a Talker initiative. � training strategy for frontline professionals

improve communication skills � evaluate impact of skills development on referral

rates to SLT services � Audit provision of S&L/communication skills by

all EY providers • To evaluate and continue current practice:

� advice from therapists to Children’s Centres, Early Years settings and schools to support communication development

� advice to parents/carers on specific home based programmes

� working with the Early Support Programme to support families of severely disabled children

• Continue with targeted work by PCT services to keep all initial assessments below 18 week threshold.

• To evaluate and develop existing preventative and early identification approaches

• Integrate Speech and Language Support Assistants into Interagency Locality Teams

SR/RC SR/RC SR/RC SR/RC SR SR SR SR/RC

Sept 09 Dec 09 May 09 - Mar 11 April 09 April 10 Oct 09 Mar 10 Dec 09

7 months 18 weeks total pathway from referral to therapy.


6

• Implement communication strategy • Southampton Community Healthcare to undertake

an efficiency review to identify additional resource to reduce waiting times

SR/RC

Sept 09

Local indicator - waiting times for speech and language therapy from referral to therapy.


7

Identified Weakness in APA (4) Be Healthy: “The number of young people accessing substance misuse treatments, although improved, remains too low.” Outcome position Actions

Accountable Officer(s)

By when

Outturn 2007/08

SN average 2008/09

England average 2008/09

Outturn 2008/09

Target 2009/10

100% of young people referred to the specialist treatment service who complete a general healthcare assessment The number of young people in treatment per 1000 population (15-17 yr old) The substance misuse treatment service is integrated with local services for children and young people. Substance misuse treatment services are easily accessible and user friendly. There is a range of universal provision, and targeted provision is strong. Workers in universal services and targeted services are competent at identifying drug issues and know what action to take. There is a full range of specialist treatment provision, and young people receiving treatment all have a lead professional and treatment plan with clear aims and

• Further needs data analysis/assessment/ review/benchmarking of substance misuse. To include assessment of number of young people using substances and proportions accessing treatment

• Consult with young people, parents/carers and stakeholders on barriers and solutions to accessing treatment

• Implement new integrated substance misuse specialist treatment service.

• Training programme for children’s workforce established with 60 places for Tier 1 and 30 places for Tier 2.

• Link Primary Care Locally Enhanced Service for alcohol to new substance misuse specialist treatment service.

• Ensure use of Common Assessment Framework and lead professional target substance misuse.

• Link Common Assessment Locality panels and YISP’s and YOT teams to improve identification of young people requiring support and referral to treatment

• implement and evaluate early identification processes including: � locality meetings to increase communication

between agencies e.g. Community Support Officers, Parks, Housing etc

� Implement Youth Crime Action Plan early identification initiatives

• Collaborate with adult services to improve transition arrangements

AA/SR AA/SR AA/SR AA/SR SR RC AA AA AA AA

Aug 09 Aug 09 Apr 09 Jun 09 Sep 09 Apr 09 Apr 09 July 09 Apr 10 June 09

Local indicator1 N/A Local indicator2 N/A

50% 14.2

60% 11.2

100% 4.6

100% 11.8

1 Percentage of young people referred to the specialist treatment service who have a general healthcare assessment 2 The number of young people in substance misuse treatment per 1,000 population (15-17 year old)


8

target outcomes. All treatments commence within 10 days of assessment. Specialist service ensures: • Children, young people and

carers are involved in the design and continuous development of provision.

• closer working protocols between partners

• Joint working on individual cases, including with the Hospital Liaison Team.

• better access for black and minority ethnic communities.

• integrating and strengthening targeted outreach services.

• increasing numbers of young people targeted by outreach and new referrals into treatment.

Local indicators – Percentage of young people referred to the specialist treatment service complete a general healthcare assessment– Quarterly Number of young people in treatment per 1000 population - Annual


9

Identified Weakness in APA (5) Stay Safe: “Almost one in ten reviews of child protections plans were not conducted within required timescales. The council did not meet the specified level in this key threshold.” Outcome position Actions

Accountable Officer(s)

By when

NI outturn 2007/08

SN Average 2007/08


NI outturn 2008/09

NI target 2009/10

All Child Protection Plans are effectively reviewed within timescales and all children and young people have Plans which lead to effective intervention and appropriate further children in need planning.

• Employ an additional full time Chair • Use Business Support staff to schedule reviews • Increase senior management capacity to improve

performance management and policy development in Child Protection Practice.

• Undertake an internal quality audit of child protection plans

• GOSE to facilitate external quality audit which will include Child Protection Plans

• Principal officer to monitor review timescales and monthly reporting on numbers of plans.

• Regular self audits by chairs. • Support parents/carers in preparation arrangements

for case conference • Review procedures to achieve best practice

RC/FB Apr 09 Apr 09 May 09 Jun 09 Apr 10 Jun 09 Jun 09

NI 67 91%

99.9%

99.4%

98.9%

100%

NI 67 – Percentage of child protection cases which were reviewed within required timescales


10

Identified Weakness in APA (6) Stay Safe: “The level of performance on timeliness of completion of core assessments is lower than average.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)


SN Average 2007/08


NI outturn 2008/09

NI target 2009/10

Achieve equal, or excel best performance in comparator group for core assessment timescales, and meet LAA stretch timescales. Increase and improve use of CAF within locality working to reduce number requiring social care

•••• Use agreed funding to recruit additional front-line social work staff in response to the increase in referrals and high case loads. (6.5 extra social workers and 6 unqualified social work assistants recruited by May)

•••• Monitor performance on CA timescales at monthly meetings with all managers.

•••• Produce individual monitoring reports for staff and managers on their assessment timescales and ICS compliance

•••• Link social work teams to the 3 locality networks to enable tier 2 services to support families more effectively and refer appropriately

•••• Induction and training for new social workers •••• Ensure timely supervision and access to managers

for decision making •••• Fully implement CAF to reduce the need for CAs

RC/FB

Apr 10 Apr 10 Apr 10 Aug 10 Apr 10 Apr 10

NI 60 68%

81%

80%

78%

84%

NI 60 – Percentage of core assessments that were carried out within 35 working days of their commencement


11

Identified Weakness in APA (7) Stay Safe: “The proportion of children with three or more placement moves increased and is higher than average.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)


SN Average 2007/08


NI outturn 2008/09

NI target 2009/10

NI 62 16%

12%

11%

12%

13%

NI 63 66%

66.2%

66.5%

74%

66%

To reduce the proportion of children with three or more placement moves to target position or better. An excellent service in which children and young people are consulted and supported to remain in placement and we can demonstrate good working together, good data collection and management grip at each stage of the child’s care history.

• To reduce placement moves as a result of young people absconding by: � individual work with children and young people

who abscond. � continue to implement new protocol with

Hampshire Constabulary on managing young people in care who are missing

� commissioning an external review of in house residential provision to include a focus on the issue of absconding

• To reduce placement moves due to young people who are 16 years+ moving between independent living situations by: � Allocating a senior practitioner dedicated time to

manage the supported lodgings (placement) scheme.

� Improve choice and reliability in supported lodgings scheme.

� Regular supervision, support and access to an enhanced training programme linked to foster care training for all providers of supported lodgings.

� To increase numbers of supported placements to ensure more choice for young people

� In partnership with Housing, support and provide training for the care leaver employed to support young people with housing difficulties.

• Ensure the dedicated Children in Care Team involves all relevant agencies and are undertaking regular visits, ensuring all care plans are current and that drift does not occur.

• Ensure a high quality and skilful work force are fully supported via regular, planned supervision and that stability of workforce is maintained to ensure close

RC/FB RC/FB

Apr 10 Apr 10 Sept 09 Apr 10 Apr 10 Apr 10 Sept 10 Apr 10 Apr 10

NI 71 N/A

N/A

N/A

6

8


12

working relationships with young people. • To reduce placement moves by ensuring a range of

mechanisms are in place including: � weekly monitoring of placement moves � monthly monitoring of all new placements or any

change in placement to examine the process, identify any pressures and any support / resources that may be needed to sustain the placement

� holding placement agreement meetings to ensure all parties have a clear, shared understanding of the fostering task

� holding pre-disruption meetings to support young people and their carers to sustain unsettled placements.

� Funding residential activity breaks for children to learn new skills and internalise additional behaviour controls and enable the carer a break from the caring task

� providing a 24/7 over the phone or face to face out-of-hours service

� TFC clinical team supporting intensive packages with mainstream carers and young people

� Building links between foster carers and the range of voluntary sector support services

• To reduce placement moves by increasing placement choice through: � Recruiting more carers � Retaining carers by providing extensive training

linked to CWDC standards and a skills-based reward payment scheme and developing a carers training pathways

• Ensure full use made of Youth, Connexions and Youth Offending Team members to support young people in placements.

RC/FB RC/FB RC/FB RC/FB

Jun 10 Jun 10 Jun 10 Jun 10

NI 62 – Stability of placements of looked after children: number of placements (% of children with 3 or more placements in a year) NI 63 – (LAA indicator) Stability of placements of looked after children: length of placements (% of children living continuously in the same placement for 2 years or more) NI 71 - Children who have run away from home/care


13

Identified Weakness in APA (8) Stay Safe: “Private fostering arrangements are judged to be inadequate.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officers

By when outturn 2007/08

SN Average 2007/08


outturn 2008/09

target 2009/10

To ensure private fostering arrangements are judged to be good. A robust policy and procedure is in place and known and used by staff. Privately fostered children and young people are identified and assessed. The identification, assessment and ongoing work with private foster placements is well managed, recorded and carried out within timescales. Information and publicity about private fostering is disseminated widely and regularly.

• To ensure the updated policy and procedure is disseminated to all staff and available on the shared drive

• Train all staff in private fostering policy and procedure and provide training on induction course

• Redesign ICS proforma to meet requirements in line with BAAF good practice.

• Identify lead team manager and key staff, establish notification system, proforma for foster carers and fact sheets for parents, carers and children.

• Publish private fostering information on Southampton website

• Launch raising awareness campaign to public, hard to reach communities, professionals (health, housing, education, police, LSCB, Councillors) written information and multi-agency workshops and use of City publications, local radio, press and website, including Parenting handbook and CIS

• Undertake a regular audit of private fostering situation ensuring they meet criteria and that the system is working

RC/FB Apr 09 Sept 10 Apr 09 Apr 09 Apr 10 Feb 10

100%

N/A

78%

50% 100%

Local indicator - Percentage of private fostering assessments undertaken within timescale


14

Identified Weakness in APA (9) Enjoy and Achieve: “High rates of absences from primary and secondary schools. The percentage of looked after children who missed at least 25 days of schooling has increased to a higher level than the national average.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)


SN Average 2007/08


NI outturn 2008/09

NI target 2009/10

NI 1141 0.13%

0.11%

0.12%

0.12%2

0.11%3

NI 871 11.7%

6.71%

5.58%

8.4%2

9.9%3

PAF C24 15.4%

15.8%

13%

17%

16.0%

To reduce the percentage of looked after children who missed at least 25 days of schooling to at least the national average Effective Behaviour and Attendance Partnerships in place. Targets set for all vulnerable pupils within all schools. Data collation enables early identification and highlights trajectory of progress. Local Authority can ensure integrity of data. Clear framework of LA service provision. Clear attendance and escalation strategy in place in every school.

• Attendance Lead to meet annually with SIPs to update on absence targets and help inform contextual target setting with all schools.

• Concerns regarding attendance in individual schools will be shared at the Schools’ Monitoring Group to identify those schools needing additional multi-disciplinary support from the LA

• Attendance and Behaviour to be a focus in the Raising Attainment Plan (RAP) for schools.

• All Secondary schools to complete a Self Evaluation Framework for Persistent Absence with the LA, to outline both the attendance and escalation strategy for the individual school.

• The National Challenge Action plan to include a focus on raising attendance and improving behaviour in the 2 National Challenge schools.

• Implement agreed recommendations of the Scrutiny Inquiry into the links between absence and crime.

• Behaviour and Attendance Partnership to be fully implemented in September 2009 with closer links with the extended schools agenda.

• Attendance issues to be included at the CSL workforce induction programme.

• Appoint a virtual Headteacher for CLA to co-ordinate a ‘team around’ approach in raising attendance and achievement.

RC/PN

Sept 09 May 09 Mar 09 Jun 09 Apr 09 Jul 09 Sept 09 Sept 09 Sept 09

BV46 6.26%

5.58%

5.17%

6.02%

5.84%

1 Outcome for this indicator relates to academic year 2006/07 2 Outcome for this indicator relates to academic year 2007/08 3 This data will relate to academic year 2008/09


15

• Emotional Wellbeing Development Officers to work with CLA who are disengaged from education.

• Ensure data collation and absence coding supports early intervention for CLA who are absent from school.

• Build on the 3.3% reduction in PA’s achieved in 07/08 by monitoring and analysing data with all secondary schools every half term to ensure progress is maintained.

• Work in partnership with the Police and Community Safety to target young people who are absent from school and therefore vulnerable to committing crime.

• Develop the partnership with Health to address and challenge the high rate of absence due to illness, through work with school nurses, GP’s and relevant hospital departments.

• Ensure families with English as a second language are aware of the expectations around school attendance through publication of information, e.g. welcome guide to schools in Southampton.

• Incentives for good attendance to be established in every school and supported where possible by the LA through the School Attendance Matters Mascots and rewards.

• Implement and evaluate the ‘Truancy call’ first day contact, commencing in the summer term 09 in 35 schools, on the attendance of primary pupils.

• Visit statistical neighbour LAs to identify elements of good practice.

• Participate in the DCSF evaluation of enforcement sanctions to identify effective practice.

• Convene a follow up attendance conference for stakeholders to ensure all agencies contribute to improving attendance.

• Second an EWO to the role of Senior Parenting Support Advisor (PSA) to ensure all PSA’s are aware of parental responsibilities relating to attendance.

May 09 May 09 Apr 09 Jun 09 Jun 09 Sept 09 May 09 Sept 09 Dec 09 May 09 Oct 09 June 09

1 Outcome for this indicator relates to academic year 2006/07


16

NI 114 – Rate of permanent exclusions from school NI 87 - (LAA indicator) Secondary school persistent absence rate PAF C24 – Absence from school of children looked after BV46 – Reduction in the percentage of half days missed due to absences in primary schools maintained by the Local Authority

1 Outcome for this indicator relates to academic year 2007/08 2 This data will relate to academic year 2008/09


17

Identified Weakness in APA (10) Enjoy and Achieve: “Fixed term exclusions in primary and secondary schools particularly for those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are significantly higher than average.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)

By when outturn acad year 2006/07

SN Average 2006/07


outturn acad year 2007/08

target acad year 2008/9

3091DE (fixed) 2.90%

1.32%

1.11%

2.26%

2.10%

3091DE (perm) 0.04%

Not available

0.02%

0.03%

0.02%

3092DE (fixed) 29.07%

11.73%

10.83%

25.55%

24%

3092DE (perm) 0.27%

0.20%

0.22%

0.19%

0.19%

3106DE (prim) 14.29%

7.11%

10.18%

21.09%

17%

3106DE (sec) 101.52%1

32.5%

33.4%

70.15%

60%

3099DE 28.82%

13.86%

17.38%

31.76%

28%

Reduce fixed term exclusions in primary and secondary schools particularly for those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities to the SN average. Effective Behaviour and Attendance Partnerships in place. Data collation enables early identification and highlights trajectory of progress. Local Authority can ensure integrity of data. Clear framework of LA service provision. Continuum of Behaviour support strategies in operation which facilitates early identification and intervention.

• Provide rigorous challenge and support to pre-schools, schools and colleges � Produce LA School Intervention and Support

procedures. � Implement LA Succession Planning strategy. � Implement School Improvement Partner

programme. • Attendance and Behaviour to be a focus within the

Raising Attainment Plan (RAP). • Early intervention to be offered to parents/carers of

children with challenging behaviour e.g. Incredible Years and Positive Parenting.

• The Educational Psychology Service and Behaviour Intervention Support Team to develop a continuum of behaviour management strategies.

• Behaviour and Attendance partnerships to be implemented by September 2009.

• The new exclusions officer to undertake robust analysis of data on exclusions, with particular reference to SEN and vulnerable groups, e.g. CLA.

• Analyse reasons for exclusions across all schools to identify trends and identify potential inconsistencies in application and share with key stakeholders annually to ensure service delivery

RC/PN

Apr 10 Sept.09 May 09 Sept 10 May 09 Sept 09 Jul 09 Jun 09

3097DE 0%

Not available

0.20%

0.31%2

0%


18

Clear evidence of progress narrowing the gap with the National Average. Clear guidance in relation to a ‘tariff’ for exclusions adopted by all schools to ensure consistency in application.

meets the needs of vulnerable groups. • Exclusions Officer to prioritise support for

reintegration /planning meetings for pupils with SEN and CLA.

• Exclusions Officer to meet with PSA’s to provide information regarding procedures and legislation which can be used to support and challenge parents/carers.

• Distribute focussed and specialist support for developing behaviour plans and strategies to all schools.

• Develop a framework for schools and Inclusion Services in responding to pupils at risk of exclusion which focuses on early intervention and prevention.

• Early identification of repeat fixed term exclusions to trigger multi-agency action.

• Exclusion data at school and pupil level to be shared with Inclusion Service every half term.

• All permanently excluded pupils to have a CAF, which will be completed by the excluding school.

• All schools to complete a pre CAF on pupils at risk of exclusion as part of their behaviour management strategy.

• The SEN Review to identify proposals for consideration with regard to developing a more cohesive continuum of provision to meet the individual needs of pupils with SEN.

• Person Centred planning to be implemented across all special schools to enable the young people to input in to their own provision

• ‘Holding On’ positive behaviour and management restraint course to be offered to every school.

• Educational Psychologists to facilitate a challenging behaviour consultation on individual pupils who are at risk of exclusion including those with SEN.

May 09 Jul 09 Sept 09 Sept 09 Sept 09 Dec 09 June 09 Sept 09 – Dec 09 May 09 June 09 Sept 09

1 indicator over 100% as the number of exclusions was more than the total number of pupils, each episode of exclusion being counted separately 2 This relates to one pupil


19

APA indicator 3091DE - Fixed-term exclusions in primary schools APA indicator 3091DE - Permanent exclusions in primary schools APA indicator 3092DE - Fixed-term exclusions in secondary schools APA indicator 3092DE - Permanent exclusions in secondary schools APA indicator 3106DE - Fixed-term exclusions for pupils with statements in mainstream schools (primary) APA indicator 3106DE - Fixed-term exclusions for pupils with statements in mainstream schools (secondary) APA indicator 3099DE - Fixed-term exclusions in relation to the number of pupils in special schools APA indicator 3097DE – Permanent exclusions in relation to the number of pupils in special schools


20

Identified Weakness in APA (11) Enjoy and Achieve: “Standards at Key Stage 1 have not improved in three years.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)

By when Local outturn 2006/07

SN Average 2006/07


Local outturn 2007/08

Local target 2009/10

Standards at Key Stage 1 to improve in line with targets. Strong partnership with headteachers, governors, other service providers, parents and carers driving forward implementation of shared outcomes based plans.

• Support the effectiveness of learning and play settings, by

- developing Raising Attainment strategy for 2009-12

- implementing national primary strategy - Curriculum development initiative in partnership

with QCA - Implementing the Play strategy

• Enhance Leadership Effectiveness Strategy • Further develop Emotional Wellbeing initiatives • Develop projects for improving boys writing • Further develop TDA deliverables plan • Develop “A Place to Lead” website • Introduce Readiness to Learn programmes • Support and challenge quality of teaching and

learning, including communication, relationships and partnerships with families.

• Implement strategies to reduce exclusions and engage with parents/carers on behaviour/nurture issues

• Implementation of Every Child a Talker • See page 22 – parenting support.

See also actions for weakness 7 – attendance.

PN Sept 09 March 10 Apr 10 Dec 09 Sept 09 July 09 Jan 10 Feb 10 Dec 09 Apr 10 Dec 09

Reading 79.5% Writing 75.6% Maths 87.2%

81% 75% 87%

84% 80% 90%

80.1% 75.7% 88.4%

82% 78% 89%


21

Identified Weakness in APA (12) Enjoy and Achieve: “The rate of progress in raising standards at Key Stages 2 and 3 is too slow to sufficiently narrow the gap with the national average particularly in English and mathematics.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)


SN Average 2007/08


NI outturn 2008/09

NI target 2009/10

NI 73 69%

67.1%

72%

64.8%

74%

Standards at Key Stages 2 and 3 to improve in line with targets. Strong partnership with headteachers, governors, other service providers, parents and carers driving forward implementation of shared outcomes based plans.

• Support the effectiveness of primary schools, by: - developing Raising Attainment strategy for

2009-12 - implementing national primary strategy - Curriculum development initiative in partnership

with QCA • Implement One to One tuition programme • Enhance Leadership Effectiveness Strategy • Further develop TDA deliverables plan • Hold Senior Leader recruitment events • Consistent use and recording of data • Strengthen transition arrangements for data

transfer • Ensure effective transfer of information when

children and young people are in alternative provision

• Further develop emotional wellbeing • Robust monitoring of teacher assessments at KS3

in place of statutory tests • Effective use of SIP to support schools • Secondary strategy for KS3 • Strengthen federations to facilitate sharing of good

practice • Coordinated action to support headteachers and

governors to raise standard of teaching. • See also actions from weakness 9 and 11.

PN

Sep 09 Mar 10 Apr 10 Sep 09 Dec 09 Jul 09 Sept 09 Jun 09 Oct 09 Oct 09 Sept 09 Apr 10 Sep 09 Apr 10 Mar 10 Sep 09

NI 76 N/A

N/A

2007 - 1797 out of 13,439

12 schools

4 schools

NI 72 - (LAA indicator) Achieving 78 points or more at Early Years Foundation Stage, with at least 6 in Personal, Social & Emotional Development and Communication, Language and Literacy NI 73 – (LAA indicator) Achievement at level 4+ in English & Maths at Key Stage 2 NI 76 – Reduction in number of schools where fewer than 55% of pupils achieve level 4+ in English and Maths at Key Stage 2


22

Identified Weakness in APA (13) Make a Positive Contribution: “The number of first time entrants to the youth justice system has increased to levels higher than average.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)


SN Average 2007/08


NI outturn 2008/09

NI target 2009/10

The number of young people coming into the criminal justice system reduces year on year to achieve target position. A range of targeted interventions in place effectively divert young people from criminal activity.

• Provide integrated approaches and preventative strategies to reduce first time offending through the project First Time Offenders.

• Project lead to work across the Children & Young People’s Trust to ensure effective targeting of young people aged 10 -17 most at risk of offending.

• Provide personalised support packages for families where children and young people are identified at risk, through the Think Family initiative.

• The Family Intervention Project to ensure every children and young person within the targeted family has a package of support that diverts them away from criminal activity.

• Work with Neighbourhood Action Teams to identify young people demonstrating behaviour which needs to be challenged. Use of Acceptable Behaviour Contracts work with parents/carers and young person to reduce the risk offending.

• Schools to identify young people not attending, at risk of exclusion or demonstrating antisocial behaviour for allocation of a personal advisor to assess their needs and broker a personalised package to reduce the offending behaviour.

• Use CCIS management system to track young people at risk and provide personalised support for young people at risk of offending.

• Deploy a detached youth support team, through YCAP resource, at evenings and weekends, across a range of locations in the city, to engage young people in positive activities.

• Deliver Positive Activities for young people on Friday and Saturday night and use the research to develop a longer term all year programme as part of the YCAP.

AA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA

By Sept 09 Nov 09 Jul 10 Sep 09 April 09 Sept 09 Sept 10 July 09 Apr 09

NI 111 N/A

N/A

N/A

2164

2590


23

• Implement the Youth Inclusion Programme (YIP) in St Mary’s. Target 50 young people aged 13-19 most at risk of offending. Target to engage with 75% of the top 50 most at risk young people

• Implementing the Youth Inclusion and Support Programme (YISP), to target up to 50 young people, aged 10-13 and provide individual and family support in order to prevent offending.

• Catch 22 will be providing an Intensive intervention Project targeting up to 50 young people who have failed to engage with other preventive services.

• Youth Options to provide two more YIPs and develop plans in relation to their locality. These YIPs to target 50 most ‘at risk’ young people in a neighbourhood.

• Develop the commissioning process to deliver targeted youth support services.

• (see also actions on weakness 9)

AA AA AA AA AA

Apr 10 Apr 10 Apr 09 Apr 10 Mar 10

NI 111 – (LAA indicator) The number of young people (aged 10-17) who receive their first substantive outcome from the youth justice system – rate per population


24

Identified Weakness in APA (14) Make a Positive Contribution: “The proportion of supervised juveniles in full time education, employment or training is lower than average.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)


SN Average 2007/08


NI outturn 2008/09

NI target 2009/10

To increase the proportion of supervised juveniles in full time education, employment or training in line with target position and the national average. YOT and Youth Support engage with young people who are young offenders and are NEET to ensure that appropriate activity is in place to facilitate re-engagement.

• YOT EWO to track progress, co-ordinate information and facilitate re-integration.

• Data to be shared with the locality areas to strengthen co-working partnership.

• YOT EWO to liaise with the Secure Estate to ensure continuity of a young person’s education provision and transition back to the community and to education.

• Youth Support Workers, seconded to the YOT, to support young people with their employment and training needs, identify appropriate plans to engage with young people in order to improve their EET chances.

• Implement a programme of interview skills for young offenders to ensure that they are able to project themselves positively to employers, training providers and voluntary sector organisations.

• Keeping Young People Engaged (KYPE) worker to work with all young people on ISSP orders to re-engage them with employment and training.

• Summer Arts College service to target young people not in ETE.

• Toe by Toe literacy teaching in place for all young people assessed as requiring it on ISSP.

• Dyslexia screening in place for all young people via seconded Youth Support workers.

• Implement agreed recommendations from Scrutiny Inquiry

AA/JH

From Apr 9 – Apr 10 From Apr 9 From Apr 9 Jun 09 Sept 09 Sept 09 Sept 09 July 09

NI 45 N/A

N/A

N/A

59%

70%

NI 45 – The proportion of young offenders who are engaged in suitable education, employment or training


25

Identified Weakness in APA (15) Make a Positive Contribution: “The proportion of looked after children and young people given a final warning/reprimand or convicted increased significantly during 2007/2008 to a high level.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)


SN Average 2007/08


NI outturn 2008/09

NI target 2009/10

NI 19 - N/A

N/A

N/A

1.33

1.50

To reduce the proportion of looked after children and young people given a final warning/reprimand or convicted to target position. Young people in care are engaged in positive activities and do not offend. Young people who do offend are dealt with at the lowest possible tariff.

• Six weekly multi-agency meeting to track outcomes for looked after children who have offended or are at risk of offending and identify gaps in provision for all looked after children who have offended or are at risk of offending e.g. education provision, health, placement stability etc

• identify looked after children who are at risk of offending and ensure packages of support are in place to prevent offending

• Commission a review of residential services to ensure that young people have a range of options and that their placement is meeting their identified needs.

• Continue to use restorative justice in the units and ensure that all staff are trained in this approach.

• Research and transfer best practice from other authorities e.g. Portsmouth pilot undertaken on behalf of Wessex YOT where police contact social workers prior to issuing a final warning or reprimand.

• Review the range of positive activities, including targeted youth support, and ensure they are accessible to looked after children

• Identify the positive activities young people attend and review with foster carers during their supervision sessions.

• Improve frequency and regularity of visits to CLA and ensure their views are known.

AA/JH RC RC RC AA AA RC RC RC

Jun 09 Apr 09 Jul 09 Apr 09 Sept 09 May 09 May 09 Apr 09 From May 09

PAF C18 4.4

2.5

2.3

2.7

2.7

NI 19 – (LAA indicator) Rate of proven re-offending by young offenders PAF C18 –Reprimands, final warnings and convictions of children looked after expressed as a ratio


26

Identified Weakness in APA (16) Achieve Economic Wellbeing: “The percentage of 16- to 19-year-olds that are not in education, employment or training has increased and is higher than average.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)


SN Average 2007/08


NI outturn 2008/09

NI target 2009/10

NI 117 10.4%

8.4%

6.7%

9.4%

8.1%

The percentage of 16-19 year-old NEETs reduces year on year and LAA targets are achieved. Unknown NEETS are reduced to almost zero. Every NEET young person is tracked and case managed.

• Implementation of NEET Action Plan 2009 – 2012 Major actions from NEET action plan: • Delivery of the September Guarantee • Improving transition • Improving the opportunities for young people with

SEN and / or disabilities (LLDD): • Delivery of targeted support. • Improving progression opportunities to, and

participation in, higher education through partnership arrangements between the 14-19 Partnership and HE institutions including the delivery of Aim Higher projects.

• Develop a quality framework that conforms to the IAG National Quality Standard.

• Update and strengthen the on-line 14-19 Area Prospectus.

• Prepare for the Common Application Process (CAP).

• Ensure that IAG fully supports access the full entitlement.

• Prioritise work with vulnerable and disadvantaged young people through effective identification, provision of high quality ILPs and regular tracking of progress, implementation of the KS4 SEP and TPLP programmes.

• Improve young people’s awareness of available financial support and incentives.

• Improve the quality and availability of labour market information that is available to advisers.

• Implementation of the ESF programmes

AA See NEET action plan LS7

9% N/A

N/A

5.4%

5.4%

NI 117 - 16-18 year-olds not in employment, education or training Local indicator (LS7) - (LAA indicator) Rate of young people whose employment, education or training status is not known


27

Identified Weakness in APA (17) Achieve Economic Wellbeing: “The proportion of young people achieving Level 2 by the age of 19 remains too low.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)


SN Average 2007/08


NI outturn 2008/09

NI target 2009/10

NI 79 63.7%

64.9%

69.8%

65.8%

73%

More young people in Southampton achieve Level 2 than the national average. The gap of under achievement for vulnerable and targeted young people is reduced. Key Skills are a component part of Level 2 qualifications. Employability Skills are incorporated through new curriculum offers.

The specific actions are detailed in the Southampton 14 – 19 Learning Skills and Employability Strategy

AA

See full strategy

NI 82 24%

25%

25%

23%

22%

NI 79 - (LAA indicator) Achievement of a Level 2 qualification by 19 NI 82 - Inequality gap in achievement of a Level 2 qualification by 19


28

Identified Weakness in APA (18) Achieve Economic Wellbeing: “Development of a comprehensive range of provision has been inconsistent and slow in meeting the needs of 14- to 19-year-olds.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)

By when

NI outturn 2007/08

SN Average 2007/08


NI outturn 2008/09

NI target 2009/10

The range of provision is consistent, comprehensive and meets the needs of 14-19 year olds in a timely way. All 17 Diploma lines are in place. Information, Advice and Guidance ensures that young people have a wide and flexible choice of provision. Employers input into development and delivery of Diplomas. The needs of 14 -19 year olds are assessed and met through the delivery of Diplomas. The Foundation Learning Tier provides essential skills for employability in all provision.

Actions are detailed in the Southampton 14 – 19 Learning Skills and Employability Strategy; those that specifically address the development of a comprehensive curriculum to meet the needs of 14-19 year olds relate to: • the range and accessibility of 14-19 programmes,

at Entry Level to Level 3 • links between provision and learner and labour

market needs • gap analysis of provision and forward planning for

a 5 year plan for commissioning post 16 • integration of functional skills and personal,

learning skills into all 14-19 learning routes. • Implementation of Diplomas. • Implementation of the Foundation Learning Tier

and progression to opportunities to applied and vocational learning.

• Development of the Apprenticeship offer, aligned to key sectors of the local economy.

• Improved transition, from school to post-16 learning.

• Improved opportunities for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups and young people with special educational needs (SEN) learning difficulties and / or disabilities (LLDD).

• Delivery of the KS4 School Engagement Project (SEP).

• IAG to support access to the full range of entitlement

• Improved engagement with employers across the 14-19 phase

AA

Apr 10 – see full action plan

NI 90 N/A

N/A

N/A

0

71

NI 90 - Take-up of learning diplomas


29

Identified Weakness in APA (19) Achieve Economic Wellbeing: “The proportion of eligible looked after children with a pathway plan is considerably lower than average.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)


SN Average 2007/08


NI outturn 2008/09

NI target 2009/10

Local indicator32.7%

N/A

N/A

81%

100%

100% of care leavers have good quality plans which are reviewed regularly according to need. Plans are put in place so that more young people leave care when is most appropriate, and have access to good quality accommodation and employment, education or training.

• Ensure 100% of pathways plans are fully recorded on Paris.

• Monitor completion of pathways plans during monthly supervision with team members.

• Monitor recording of pathway plans on PARIS system using data reports produced every six weeks.

• Ensure Pathway Plans are regularly reviewed to ensure that young people receive the most appropriate care.

AA/RC

Jul 09

NI 148 66%

68%

65%

55%

68%

Local indicator - percentage with pathways plans NI 148 - Care leavers in employment, education and training


30

Identified Weakness in APA (20) Achieve Economic Wellbeing: “The percentage of 19-year-old care leavers in suitable accommodation has reduced and is well below average.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)


SN Average 2007/08


NI outturn 2008/09

NI target 2009/10

Increase in the percentage of 19-year-old care leavers in suitable accommodation. Young people well-supported to ensure they have a choice to stay with carers or move on to suitable when they are ready, and supported in whatever choice they make.

• Dedicated senior practitioner to increase number and range of supported lodgings placements available.

• Ensure all supported lodging providers are suitably trained and supported via regular supervision.

• Devise joint protocol for accommodation for care leavers with Neighbourhoods to ensure that all appropriate accommodation options have been discussed.

• Train the care leaver employed by social work and housing in housing issues and support them to work with young people who are encountering housing difficulties.

• Review payment arrangements for foster carers when young people reach the age of 18 to enable the young person to remain with the carer.

• Commence an out of office hours drop in service at the children in care team office.

AA/RC/ BC/AC

Apr 09 Apr 10 Sept 09 Apr 09 Sept 09 Apr 09

NI 147 69%

87%

88%

85%

85%

NI 147 - Care leavers in suitable accommodation


31

Identified Weakness in APA (21) Capacity to Improve Management of Children’s Services: “The use of data in and across some outcome areas is not sufficiently robust to ensure shared understanding, ownership and management of performance improvement.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)


SN Average 2007/08


NI outturn 2008/09

NI target 2009/10

Arrangements for the presentation, analysis and reporting of performance information are clear, consistent and based on the needs of key audiences within the Directorate and the CYPT. Performance information is used by the Directorate, the CYPTB and the CYPT steering groups to inform the development of strategies, plans, targets and commissioning decisions. Effective use of data underpins performance management arrangements of all CYPT partners. A system is in place for evaluating the effectiveness of the use of data in supporting performance improvement, within the Directorate and at all levels within the CYPT.

• All CSL service leads and CYPT steering group leads to define what qualitative, quantitative and locality data is required to drive achievement against targets, including trend and competitor data.

• Data teams within SCC, PCT, LSC and YOT to provide accurate data in a timely way for monitoring purposes and to inform action planning when performance declines.

• All CSL service leads and CYPT steering group leads to provide timely and informed commentaries relating to reported performance against LAA, national or other agreed local performance indicators. Commentary will cover: any relevant contextual cause or source of underperformance, details of any immediate action to address performance and an indication of when performance is expected to be back on target.

• All CSL service leads and CYPT steering group leads to take responsibility for the achievement of targets under their remit. CSLMT and the CYPT Board and steering groups receive performance reports and ensure that effective remedial action is in place when performance is declining.

• Action plans to be informed by timely and accurate data analysis, including locality and trend data over time and acknowledged good practice from other authorities

• Improve the use of performance information underlying the business case for reports seeking decision on commissioning service developments to CSLMT and CYPT Board.

• Accurate data to be analysed systematically to

SA

July 09 July 09 July 09 Jun 09 Dec 09 Sept 09

No relevant NI


32

ensure early warning in relation to declining performance to prompt remedial action.

• Performance data to be benchmarked in relation to high performing services nationally and critical success factors identified.

• Provide professional development and opportunities

for operational and strategic managers to develop their understanding of the use of data to improve performance.

• Develop professional links between data and performance management teams to be developed across organisations within the CYPT to foster shared understanding, expectations and professional development.

• Develop local use of MOSAIC and other geographical information views of locality based data to support locality working..

Jun 09 Jul 09 then each quarter Sept 09 Dec 09 Oct 09


33

Identified Weakness in APA (22) Capacity to Improve Management of Children’s Services: “Self-assessment underestimates the weaknesses in the council’s performance.” Outcome position Actions Accounta

ble Officer(s)

By when Target

Self Assessment matches external assessment in relation to local strengths and weaknesses.

• Self assessments to be supported by: - Trend data - National comparisons - Statistical neighbour comparisons - Service user feedback - Stakeholder, service user and inspection

feedback • Closely monitor any key thresholds and national

indicators that might have a particularly heavy weighting within the context of our assessment.

• Rigorously apply any relevant grade descriptors in determining self assessed grades.

SA SA SA

From July 09 From July 09 From July 09

Consistency of self-assessment with CAA assessment of children’s services.


34

Appendix 1: Accountable Officers

Initial

Name in Full

Designation

AA

Alison Alexander

Head of Young People and Community Support

SA

Sue Allan

Head of Commissioning, Planning and Performance

FB

Felicity Budgen

Interim Principal Officer, Safeguarding

RC

Ruth Chiva

Head of Safeguarding

JH

Jean Humphries

Interim Head of Wessex YOT

PN

Paul Nugent

Head of School Standards

SR

Stephanie Ramsey

Associate Director, NHS Southampton City

BC

Barbara Compton

Head of Housing Solutions, Neighbourhoods Directorate


35

Appendix 2: Glossary

Accountable Officers Level One Officers or their equivalents accountable for delivery of the target position

Actions SMART: Specific, measurable, achievable, realistic targets

APA Annual Performance Assessment

BAAF British Association for Adoption and Fostering

CA Core assessment

CAF Common Assessment Framework

CAP Common application process

CCIS Client Caseload Information System

CIP Community improvement partnerships

CIS Children’s Information Service

CLA Children looked after

CSL Children’s Services & Learning Directorate

CSLMT Children’s Services & Learning Management Team

CWDC Children's Workforce Development Council

CYPT Children & Young People Trust

CYPTB Children & Young People Trust Board

DCSF Department for Children, Schools & Families

EET education, employment or training


36

England Average Average across England LAs, where this is applicable

ETE education, training or employment

EWDO Emotional wellbeing development officers

EWO Education welfare officer

EY Early years

GONW Government Office North West

GOSE Government Office South East

IAG Information, advice and guidance

ICS Integrated Children’s System

ILP Individual learning plan

ISSP Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme

KS Key Stage

KYPE Keeping young people engaged

LA Local authority

LAA Local Area Agreement

LLDD Learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities

LSC Learning & Skills Council

LSCB Local Safeguarding Children Board

MOSAIC Demographic based marketing tool

NEET Not in education, employment or training


37

Outcome position Key characteristics of a service delivery well above minimum requirements for children and young people

PA’s Persistent absence

PARIS Children’s social care database

PCT Primary Care Trust

PSA Parenting support advisor

PSHE Personal, social and health education

QCA Qualifications & Curriculum Authority

RAP Raising attainment plan

S&L Speech & language

SCC Southampton City Council

SEN Special educational needs

SEP School engagement project

SIPs School Improvement Partners

SLC Speech, language and communication skills

SLT Speech & language therapy

SN Average Statistical Neighbour average, where this is applicable

SRE Sex and relationships education

Targets and Out-turn National Indicators or locally determined performance measures

TDA Training & Development Agency

Tier 1 Universal services


38

Tier 2 Targeted but non-specialist services

TPLP ????

YCAP Youth crime action plan

YIP Youth Inclusion Programme

YISP Youth Inclusion and Support Panels

YJB Youth Justice Board

YOT Youth Offending Team

appendix 2 - apa action plan 2009

Documents