The Children and Families Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 13 June 2024 to review the performance of various children's services, including youth justice, social care, and education. Key discussions focused on the outcomes of a His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) report on Waltham Forest Youth Justice Services, an overview of children's services, and the committee's forward plan.

Overview of Services

The committee received a comprehensive overview of children's services, encompassing Children's Social Care, Education, and Early Help. Daniel Phelps, Corporate Director of Children's Services, provided an overview of Children's Social Care, while Anne-Marie Koroma, Assistant Director for Youth and Family Resilience, presented on the Youth Justice Service. Cheryl Eyre, Interim Corporate Director of Education, outlined the education service, and Laura Butterworth, Director of Early Help and Prevention, discussed the work of young advisors and initiatives to reduce violence against women and girls (VAWG).

A key point of discussion was the funding for Family Hubs. Officers indicated they would explore the legacy of successful initiatives and contact the new government regarding continued funding. The committee noted that Waltham Forest has a higher number of Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plans than the national average. Support for young people leaving education settings was discussed, with the Virtual School providing support for children in care to overcome barriers to attainment or training. For those with identified needs but no EHC plan, officers confirmed discussions about plans are available up to the age of 25, with options for supported internships or courses at Waltham Forest College.

The committee inquired about the process for EHC assessments, particularly for children excluded from school. Ms Koroma explained that concerns around Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) following exclusion would lead to a short period of alternative provision while assessments took place, with the Fair Access Panel (FAP) also considering these assessments. Cheryl Eyre added that the Behaviour, Attendance, and Children Missing Education (BACME) team, now part of the school admissions team, reviews SEND places for children without EHC plans, and options for home schooling and customised offers are considered for children out of school. The increase in EHC requests was attributed to a gap in early intervention support and a rise in requests across the UK, with officers noting that the number of requests had risen to 5% of all children.

Discussions also covered the collaboration between social care and the housing team to keep children at home. Councillor Kizzy Gardiner, Portfolio Lead Member for Children and Young People, acknowledged the challenges posed by the housing crisis but stated that support is in place, with acute needs assessed and considered for housing lists. Mr Phelps confirmed improved relationships between social care and housing, leading to more progressive ways of managing tensions. Regarding respite capacity, Mr Phelps stated that five beds are available and have been sufficient.

The provision of VAWG training to businesses and organisations was also discussed. Ms Butterworth highlighted work with Leyton Orient football club, training players and coaches, and disseminating messaging at sporting events. Pubs across the borough have information available, and a public calendar of free training on FGM, sexual harassment, and other topics, organised by Spark2Life, is accessible to residents and businesses.

The committee agreed to request a written response regarding why places are being offered outside of the borough when local accommodation is available. They also recommended that the newly formed Youth Forum attend future Children and Families Scrutiny Committee meetings.

Waltham Forest Youth Justice Services: His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation Outcome and Action Plan

Anne-Marie Koroma, Assistant Director for Youth and Family Resilience, presented the findings of the HMIP inspection of Waltham Forest Youth Justice Services (WFYJS). The report rated the service as 'Requires Improvement', with specific areas for development in out-of-court disposals, case reviews, management oversight, and partnership working, particularly with children's social care and the Metropolitan Police. Strengths identified included good quality post-court assessments and planning, an integrated approach to tackling serious youth violence, a child first approach, and positive partnership working.

The committee raised questions about the allocation of cases to the Youth at Risk team, with Ms Koroma explaining this provided staff development opportunities and helped cover sickness, while assuring the team could make appropriate decisions. The committee also asked about the awareness of service users regarding the inspection outcomes, with officers stating that while it is a public report, they did not expect young people to have read it, but that the report included their voices and sense of safety.

The committee asked about ensuring children remained in homes rather than moving into care. Ms Koroma confirmed monthly meetings of social workers to raise concerns, and joint visits for looked-after children in custody. Mr Phelps noted this was a small cohort.

Regarding metrics for monitoring improvement, Ms Koroma explained a fortnightly group with managers reviews the improvement plan, focusing on aspects like home visits and assessment completion times.

The committee agreed to an action for officers to update them on the progress of the action tracker in 12 months' time.

Committee Action Tracker and Forward Plan

Rosie Whillock, Scrutiny Policy Assistant, presented the committee's action tracker and forward plan. She noted that due to the short turnaround between meetings, not all actions had yet received responses. The forward plan, which includes upcoming agenda items such as SEND, sufficiency, OFSTED, and statutory reports, was also presented. Councillor Gardiner highlighted that the committee would be addressing SEND and sufficiency, OFSTED, and several statutory items in future meetings.

Public Participation

A statement was read on behalf of Sharon Matthews regarding the high turnover of staff within the SEND team, which has caused instability. Ms Matthews called for the council to address staff turnover, prioritise vacancies, and provide more support for families navigating the SEND system. Councillor Gardiner acknowledged the validity of these concerns, and officers indicated they were investigating vacancies and the information provided. Ms Eyre noted the national shortage of SEND officers and the need for retention strategies, while Mr Spencer added that job vacancies were being communicated through parent carer forums, which had already generated interest in volunteering to provide advice on complex needs.