The Corporate Parenting Committee of Brent Council was scheduled to discuss updates on the Brent Pledge for Children in Care, the annual report from the Brent Virtual School, and a six-monthly update on the Fostering Service. The meeting also included an update from Brent Care Journeys 2.0 representatives.

The Brent Pledge to Children in Care

The committee was scheduled to receive information on the updated Brent Pledge for Children in Care. This pledge outlines the promises Brent Council makes to children and young people in its care, covering areas such as identity, involvement in decisions, stability, support, safety, health, education, and preparation for independence. The report indicated that the pledge had been refreshed to reflect the current needs of children in care, with input from young people through Brent Care Journeys (BCJ) Empire. Recommendations included approving the proposed plan for changes to the Brent Pledge and approving a plan to co-produce an additional companion guide. The updated pledge aims to provide accessible information to children in care and hold the council accountable for fulfilling its promises.

Annual Report from Brent Virtual School for Children in Care 2024-25

The committee was scheduled to be informed about the work undertaken by the Brent Virtual School (BVS) and the school results for Looked After Children (LAC) during the 2024-25 academic year. The report detailed the BVS's activities in monitoring and supporting LAC to achieve the best possible educational outcomes. It covered attendance rates for primary and secondary school pupils, the process of monitoring and securing school placements, and data on exclusions. The report also presented attainment data for Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4, including GCSE results, and discussed post-16 participation in education, employment, or training (EET). Specific sections addressed SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision for LAC, support for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC), the completion rate and quality of Personal Educational Plans (PEPs), and mental health and wellbeing support. The report also outlined the use of Pupil Premium Grant, the enrichment programme offered to LAC, and the celebration of achievements. Extended duties for children with a social worker and strategic priorities for 2025-26 were also to be discussed.

Fostering Service 6-monthly / End of Year Update Report

This report was scheduled to provide information on the general management of Brent's in-house fostering service and its success in achieving good outcomes for children. It was intended to cover relevant data on the service's performance and activities, as well as updates on the Fostering Panel and planned initiatives. The report detailed service priorities for 2025/2026, including recruitment targets, enhancing support for foster and kinship carers, implementing the Mockingbird Family Model, and improving outcomes for children in care through local placements. It also outlined staffing arrangements, placement activity, recruitment and assessment of new foster carers, and the support provided by supervising social workers. The report was expected to detail the progress of the Kinship Care Team, the functions of the Fostering Panel, and training and support for foster carers. Monitoring of reviews, allegations, and complaints was also on the agenda.

Update from Brent Care Journeys 2.0 (BCJ 2.0) Representatives

The committee was scheduled to receive feedback on recent activities from representatives of Brent Care Journeys 2.0 (BCJ 2.0), which is the council's participation programme for care-experienced young people.