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CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND EDUCATION
SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
30th
JULY 2015
JOINT REPORT OF THE HEADS OF CHILDREN AND
YOUNG PEOPLE SERVICES AND BUSINESS STRATEGY & PUBLIC
PROTECTION
- A. JARRETT & A THOMAS
SECTION A – MATTER FOR DECISION
WARDS AFFECTED: ALL
1. CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE SERVICES (CYPS) –
PROPOSED 2015-16 PERFORMANCE REPORTING
ARRANGEMENTS
1.1. Purpose of Report
The purpose of this report is:
To inform Members of Children & Young People Services (CYPS)
performance reporting obligations to Welsh Government during
2015-16.
To seek Member approval in the selection of CYPS’ priority
performance indicators for 2015-16.
To seek Member approval for the 2015-16 quarterly reporting of a
revised suite of performance indicators to Children, Young People
and Education Committee.
1.2. Background
During 2014-15, CYPS were expected to report performance in 28
quantitative Indicators, sub-divided into 45 reporting activities. In
addition, CYPS in conjunction with the Care and Social Services
Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) identified 8 key priority areas (6 of which
were statutory performance indicators, whilst 2 were internal performance
measures).
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A quarterly report was submitted to CYPE, containing performance in
relation to those of the 45 “activities” that lent themselves to 3 monthly
reporting, in addition, the 8 key priority areas were also reported
alongside the larger range of indicators. A full suite of performance data
is reported to CYPE annually.
On the 30th March 2015, CYPS received notification from Welsh
Government of their reporting obligations for 2015-16 (See Appendix
A). This notification outlines a reduction of the Social Services national
performance management data collection for the current year and has
been agreed with the CSSIW.
Welsh Government aim to lessen the burden on local authorities, in the
run-up to the introduction of a more outcome focused set of performance
measures, developed to support the implementation of the Social Services
and Well Being (Wales) Act during 2016/17.
It is proposed that CYPS’ revised reporting obligations to Welsh
Government (2015/16) are mirrored, when reporting quarterly to CYPE.
The proposed suite of 2015/16 performance indicators can be found in
Appendix B.
It is also proposed that the existing 8 ‘Key Priority Indicators’ are revised
to better reflect current demands with CYPS. Members have been
provided with a shortlist of potential Key Priority Indicators for 2015/16
(See Appendix C). These indicators have been selected on the basis that
they provide evidence, as to whether key functions within the service are
performing at the required level.
It is suggested that in conjunction with the Head of Children and Young
Peoples Services, members select which of the shortlisted Key Priority
Indicators are reported to CYPE Committee on a quarterly basis
throughout 2015/16.
Despite the reduction in the number of statutory indicators CYPS are
required to report (during 2015/16); it is the intention that the service will
continue to gather and use a vast suite performance management data to
support decision making at both an individual and strategic level. In
addition, CYPS is expanding its ability to capture information routed in
the quality of its intervention with children, young people and families; in
doing so, keeping with the ethos of the new Social Services and Well
Being (Wales) Act.
The new Act sets out a performance framework, which aims to measure
the progress of local authorities and to support them to continuously
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improve services. The focus of the performance framework is centered
on evidencing/achieving better outcomes for individuals via a suite of
both quantitative and qualitative performance measures.
This new set of performance requirements underpins Welsh
Government’s policy of empowering people to remain in control and to
promote independence and not dependency. These proposals present a
significant change in CYPS’ current reporting requirements to Welsh
Government, with the emphasis shifting from the timeliness and quantity
of support to a framework designed to evidence whether service
intervention is making a positive difference to the lives of children, young
people and families.
Prior to the publication of the 2016-17 proposed performance framework,
CYPS had already identified the development of a system to capture and
report outcome measures, as one of its six key priority objectives during
the forthcoming year. As evidence of CYPS’ commitment to this
objective, a case management team is actively participating in a Social
Services Improvement Agency (SSIA) pilot, which aims to “test” the
capture and reporting of personal outcomes in line with the requirements
of the new Social Services and Well Being (Wales) Act.
It is anticipated that CYPE members will be kept informed of
performance data relating to the pilot as and when it becomes available.
1.3. Equality Impact Assessment
Screening Assessment has been undertaken to assist the Council in
discharging its Public Sector Equality Duty under the Equality Act 2010.
After completing the assessment it has been determined that this function
does not require an Equality Impact Assessment.
1.4. Recommendation
It is recommended that Members approve the following:
The suite of 2015-16 Performance Indicators to be reported to
Children, Young People and Education Committee.
A selection (from the provided shortlist) of 2015-16 Key Priority
Indicators to be reported to CYPE Committee.
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1.5. Reason For Proposed Decision
The reason for the proposed decision is:
To ensure that CYPE members are provided with a suite of
performance indicators that mirror CYPS’ statutory reporting
obligations to Welsh Government.
To ensure an appropriate set of Key Priority Indicators are selected
for 2015/16.
1.6. List of Background Papers
Equality Impact Assessment Screening Form
1.7. Officer Contact
Andrew Jarrett, Head of Children & Young People Services
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01639 763283
Angela Thomas, Head of Business Strategy and Public Protection
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01639 763794
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COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE SERVICES – PROPOSED 2015-16
PERFORMANCE REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS
(a) Implementation of Decision
The decision are proposed for implementation following the three day
call in period.
(b) Sustainability Appraisal
Economic Prosperity - No impact
Education & Lifelong Learning - No impact
Better Health & Wellbeing - No impact
Environnent & Transport - No impact
Crime & Disorder - No impact
Other Impacts
Welsh Language - No impact
Sustainable Development - No impact
Equalities - No impact
Social Inclusion - No impact
(c) Consultation
This item is not subject to external consultation.
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APPENDIX A
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APPENDIX B
Children’s Services – Revised List of Performance Indicators to be Collected 2015-16
Performance
Indicator
Description
SCC/002
The percentage of children looked after at 31st march who have
experienced one or more changes of school, during a period or periods
of being looked after, which were not due to transitional
arrangements, in the 12 months to 31st March.
SCC/004
The percentage of children looked after on 31st March who have had
three or more placements during the year.
SCC/011b
The percentage of initial assessments that were completed during the
year where there is evidence that the child has been seen alone by the
Social Worker.
SCC/033(a)
The percentage of young people formerly looked after with whom the
authority is in contact at the age of 19.
SCC/033(b)
The percentage of young people formerly looked after with whom the
authority is in contact, who are known to be in suitable, non-
emergency accommodation at the age of 19.
SCC/033(c)
The percentage of young people formerly looked after with whom the
authority is in contact, who are known to be engaged in education,
training or employment at the age of 19.
SCC/037
The average external qualifications point score for 16 year old looked
after children, in any local authority maintained learning setting.
SCC/041(a)
The percentage of eligible, relevant and former relevant children that
have pathway plans as required.
SCC/010 The percentage of referrals that are re-referrals within 12 months.
SCC/020
The percentage of looked after children who had had their teeth
checked by a dentist during the year.
SCC/022(a)
The percentage attendance of looked after pupils whilst in care in
primary schools.
SCC/022(b)
The percentage attendance of looked after pupils whilst in care in
secondary schools.
SCC/030(a)
The percentage of young carers known to Social Services who were
assessed.
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SCC/030(b)
The percentage of young carers known to social services who were
provided with a service.
SCC/034
The percentage of child protection reviews carried out within
statutory timescales during the year.
SCC/035
The percentage of looked after children eligible for assessment at the
end of Key Stage 2 achieving the Core Subject Indicator, determined
by Teacher Assessment.
SCC/036
The percentage of looked after children eligible for assessment at the
end of Key Stage 3 achieving the Core Subject Indicator, determined
by Teacher Assessment.
SCC/039
The percentage of health assessments for looked after children due in
the year that have been undertaken.
SCC/040
The percentage of placements started during the year where the child
is registered with a provider of general medical services within 10
working days of the start of the placement.
SCC/025
The percentage of statutory visits to looked after children due in the
year that took place in accordance with regulations.
SCC/045
The percentage of reviews of looked after children, children on the
child protection register and children in need carried out in line with
the statutory timetable.
SCC/024
The percentage of children looked after during the year with a
Personal Education Plan within 20 school days of entering care or
joining a new school in the year ending 31st March.
SCC/044(b)
The average number of days spent out of school on fixed-term
exclusions for children looked after who were excluded during the
previous academic year.
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APPENDIX C
Suggested Priority Performance Indicators
Indicator Benefits and Limitations
1.
Average Number of
Children’s Cases held by
Qualified Social Workers
across the Service. (This
should include information
for members on the
highest and lowest
caseloads as well as the
total number of cases held)
Benefits:
This Indicator will give Members some information on
the workload of their social workers. In general the
lower the caseload the more able social workers will be
to carry out good quality work with families.
Members will be able to see the trends in caseloads and
to ask for more information in relation to this.
Limitations:
The numbers alone give no indication of the complexity
of each case or the amount of time need by social
workers to manage them.
The numbers will not give information about the quality
of the work undertaken.
2.
Staff supervision rates to
include qualified and
unqualified workers
Benefits:
This is an indicator already in use by CYPE and
reinforces to staff the commitment to ensure they have
supervision.
Limitations:
The numbers alone tell CYPE nothing about the quality
of supervision
3.
The number of social work
vacancies across the
service (to include number
of leavers, starters and
agency staff and rates of
sickness)
Benefits:
CYPE will be able to see and question fluctuations in
staffing and sickness. This indicator will give an early
warning to any problems with the morale of staff.
Limitations:
Without further information CYPE will not be aware of
why individuals have left and their view of the service.
In relation to sickness CYPE would need to request
further information as to the reasons for absence.
4.
Number of Looked After
Children ( to include the
breakdown of placement
types)
Benefits:
CYPE will be able to gauge the effectiveness of our
support services and social work in achieving the agreed
priority of safely reducing the number of looked after
children and that those in care are being placed within
the County Borough.
Limitations:
Without further information this does not provide
reassurance to CYPE that thresholds and risk
management is being set correctly
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5.
The number of Foster
Carers approved by Neath
Port Talbot CBC (to
include the overall number
and their age range, the
number of new carers
recruited and the number
currently being approved).
Benefits:
It will be essential to recruit the right number of carers
over the next year to allow children to remain in the area
and avoid the cost of external placements and this
indicator will demonstrate progress or lack of it.
Limitations:
Without further information this will not give CYPE any
indication of the quality of the carers recruited or the
reasons for them leaving.
6.
The number of children
and young people
supported to remain with
family as a direct
alternative to care
Benefits:
CYPE will be able to gauge the effectiveness of our
support services and social work in achieving the agreed
priority of safely reducing the number of looked after
children
Limitations:
Without further information this does not provide
reassurance to CYPE that thresholds and risk
management is being set correctly
7.
The number of Cases
‘stepped down’ from
CYPS to Team Around
The Family (TAF) (to
include those that had to
be ‘stepped up’.)
Benefits:
This will enable CYPE to view the flow of cases
between CYPS and TAF.
Limitations:
The numbers alone will not indicate the quality of the
work being undertaken
8.
The number of Children
who have been discharged
from care and then
subsequently re-admitted
Benefits:
This may give CYPE an indication of whether children
are being returned home too soon.
Limitation:
Will not provide reasons why children have had to return
to the care system.
9.
The number of cases held
within the service
categorised by status –
child protection, looked
after or child in need,
Benefits:
The Peer Review highlighted that they felt the service
was ‘over heated’ across all of these areas. This
indicator would appraise CYPE of the progress made to
reduce the pressure in each of these areas.
Limitations:
Gives no indication in the quality of work or the
thresholds for discharge of service.
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10. The percentage of initial
assessments that were
completed during the year
where there is evidence that
the child has been seen alone
by the Social Worker.
Current Priority Indicator and ongoing National
Indicator
11. The percentage of referrals
that are re-referrals within 12
months
Current Priority Indicator and ongoing National
Indicator
12. The percentage of statutory
visits to looked after children
due in the year that took
place in accordance with
regulations
Current Priority Indicator and ongoing National
Indicator
13.
The number of ‘personal
outcomes’ that have
improved as a result of
CYPS intervention
(Note: CYPS are a part of
an Outcomes pilot
programme run by Welsh
Government across Wales.
This requires individuals
within families to score
themselves (1 -10) against
a ‘personal outcome’ were
there is concern. They are
asked to do this at the
beginning, middle and end
of social work
involvement. When
collated this provides the
indictor suggested)
Benefits:
This indicator is outcome focussed and gives a service
user view of how they feel they are making progress.
This is very much in line with Welsh Government’s
expectations for Local Authorities to measure the
difference their interventions have made.
Limitations:
As this is a pilot reporting will not become meaningful
until the third quarter of the year.
14. The percentage of children
looked after during the year
with a Personal Education
Plan within 20 school days of
entering care or joining a
new school in the year
ending 31st March.
Current Priority Indicator and ongoing National
Indicator