The Corporate Parenting Board of the Isles of Scilly Council met on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, to discuss a range of topics aimed at strengthening the council's approach to corporate parenting. Key discussions were scheduled around the practical responsibilities of board members, the definition of vulnerable children, and the development of a corporate parenting core offer.

Actions Tracker

The meeting was scheduled to review the actions tracker, which detailed progress on tasks from the previous meeting on 26 March 2026. Several actions were proposed for closure, including the circulation of draft Terms of Reference and Care Ready Strategy documents, and the development of practical guidance for members' responsibilities. Other actions, such as developing a data performance framework and a defined cohort of children for oversight, were proposed to remain open for further work.

Draft Minutes from 26 March 2026

The board was set to review the draft minutes from its previous meeting held on 26 March 2026. These minutes covered discussions on the statutory duties of corporate parenting, the challenges presented by the low number of children in care on the Isles of Scilly, and the proposed Care Ready Island approach. The minutes also detailed a presentation from Caleigh Soule, a care leaver, on her lived experience, and discussions around the vision, principles, and statutory duties of corporate parenting.

Draft Terms of Reference

A significant item on the agenda was the discussion and potential approval of the draft Terms of Reference for the Corporate Parenting Board. These terms outline the board's context and purpose, which is to support the Council of the Isles of Scilly in fulfilling its statutory duties under various Children Acts. Given the absence of current children in care, the board's primary purpose is the implementation of a Care Ready strategy to ensure all children and young people on the islands, particularly those identified as vulnerable, are safe, supported, and able to thrive. The responsibilities detailed include ensuring a corporate parenting culture, readiness for system changes, oversight of vulnerable children, quality of practice, participation and the voice of the child, partnership accountability, outcomes, future readiness, performance monitoring, and risk management.

Practical Guidance on Members' Responsibilities & Expectations

The board was scheduled to discuss practical guidance designed to clarify the responsibilities and expectations for its members. This guidance addresses the unique context of the Isles of Scilly, where the absence of current looked-after children places a greater emphasis on preparedness. It provides specific advice for the Chair, elected councillors, council officers, and partners, outlining how each role can contribute to ensuring a robust corporate parenting function. The guidance also details expectations for board meetings, focusing on strategic priorities such as early identification of vulnerability, early help and prevention, escalation and readiness for care, placement options, access to services, community inclusion, confidentiality, and partnership contributions.

Definition of Vulnerable Children and Role of the Corporate Parenting Board

A key discussion point was the definition of vulnerable children within the context of the Isles of Scilly and the corresponding role of the Corporate Parenting Board. The paper provided for discussion defines vulnerability as an increased likelihood of poorer outcomes due to individual, familial, and environmental factors, acknowledging that the island's unique geography can both protect and intensify vulnerability. It highlights common drivers of vulnerability relevant to the islands, such as family stress, domestic abuse, parental substance misuse, young carers, adverse childhood experiences, educational transitions, transport risks, children open to social care, limited access to specialist services, housing pressures, and isolation. The paper also addresses hidden vulnerability and the importance of protective factors and resilience within the community.

Corporate Parenting Core Offer

The meeting was also scheduled to facilitate a collaborative discussion on the development of a proportionate Corporate Parenting Core Offer. This offer aims to ensure that vulnerable children and young people on the Isles of Scilly are safe, well-supported, and able to thrive, with a system ready to respond effectively as a corporate parent. The discussion framework covers key areas including accommodation and stability, education and opportunity, health and wellbeing, relationships and support networks, financial and resource considerations, participation and the voice of the child, early help and prevention, and system readiness. Following the discussion, the Director of Children's Services was expected to develop the offer and a focused action plan for presentation at a future meeting.