The Corporate Parenting Panel met on 20 March 2024 to discuss the Annual Report of the Virtual School and review performance data. Key decisions included agreeing the Virtual School's report and its priorities, and reviewing the performance of various indicators related to children in care.

Annual Report of the Virtual School

The panel received and agreed the Annual Report of the Virtual School for 2022/2023. This report details the Virtual School's work in ensuring the education of children aged 2-19 in Croydon's care, and its corporate parenting responsibilities for care leavers over 18. The report highlighted key achievements, including a record number of Key Stage 5 learners attaining places at Higher Education institutions. The panel also reviewed the key priorities for the Access to Education Service, which underpins the Virtual School's operations. These priorities include working with schools to become more inclusive, supporting vulnerable pupils in education, training, and employment, and ensuring training and guidance are available for the inclusion of vulnerable children.

Performance Report

The panel reviewed the Performance Report for February 2024, which included updates on various indicators related to children in care. Discussions covered improvements to the duty system for social workers and personal assistants, including updated email signatures and out-of-office messages to ensure young people know who to contact during staff absences. The panel also noted that adoption indicators (AD0-AD9) were performing well, with a new team established to focus strategically on adoptions.

Work is ongoing to address issues with Pathway Plans, with the council collaborating with Islington Council to improve the current system. This improvement process is expected to take around two years due to the number of children and young people involved. The panel was assured that the service is under increased scrutiny, with the Chief Executive attending some performance meetings.

Update on Protected Characteristic Working Group

A verbal update was provided on the Protected Characteristic Working Group. The first young person's group had met, and feedback indicated that young people valued the option to opt-in to discussions, but had concerns about potential resentment and carrying additional labels. Questions were raised about the council's plans for protected characteristics, potential negative impacts later in life, and the immediate importance of the topic. The group plans to include young people up to the age of 25 in future meetings, and the Chair emphasised the need for more information on protected characteristics. Other councils undertaking similar work will be consulted for lessons learned.

Update from Children's Participation Team & Children in Care Council

The Children's Participation Team reported on the work of 14 active ambassadors who would soon receive their first payment. Ambassadors are represented on all Corporate Parenting Panel Sub-Groups and have provided feedback on new Pathway Plans. A pilot 'participatory recording portal project' has been launched, allowing young people to write directly into their files, triggering notifications to their social workers. Ambassadors attended the Pan London Forum, where key takeaways included the need for consistency in social care services between boroughs, improved representation, and reducing the number of young people not in employment, education, or training (NEET). The Forum also discussed transport and mental health services, noting the impact of the pandemic on young people's mental health. Transport for London (TfL) will be launching a 50% discount for trams and buses for care-experienced young people under 25. The Care Experienced Forum is set to relaunch in April 2024, with a focus on Corporate Parenting Strategy priorities and engaging children of all ages.

Education, Employment & Training Sub-Group discussion

The Education, Employment & Training Sub-Group met recently, with three ambassadors present. Discussions focused on what is currently working well and what needs improvement in education, employment, and training for care-experienced young people. Three key themes emerged: Decision Making, Transitions, and Communication. An action plan will be developed following these discussions, and success measures will be further defined. Work on the virtual school and a transition event in September 2023 were highlighted, along with conversations about summer support for young people transitioning between schools and colleges. Consideration is being given to adding a 'transitions' page to the care leaver app. The importance of protecting the support network around young people and providing pathways for them to achieve their ambitions was stressed. The Care Leaver app contract is awaiting legal sign-off, with the Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) completed. A career day for young people and adults, supported by the South West London Integrated Care Board (SWLICB), was also mentioned, with suggestions for future events to be promoted to care-experienced young people.