Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services.

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Community & Children’s Services concerning the Department of Community and Children’s Services (DCCS)assessment of the quality and impact of its services.

It was noted that the report detailed the current state of safeguarding services for children across all age groups and categories. It was submitted to Ofsted as part of an inspection in September, and the service received an outstanding grading.

Key highlights from the self-evaluation included:

• The strength of the early help service, which provides practical support for families, such as income maximisation and parenting support.
• The effectiveness of spotting special educational needs (SEND) early.
• The strong care leaver offer.

A Member asked officers to provide more details on the care leaver offer. It was noted that the care leaver offer was highlighted as being particularly strong, providing comprehensive support to young people transitioning out of care. Additionally, a Members asked how the early help service support families. Officers noted that the early help service offers practical support such as income maximisation, bedtime routines, and parenting play modelling.