Agenda

Members are requested to advise the Scrutiny Manager of any apologies for this meeting.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members of the Scrutiny Panel.

To approve as a correct record and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 24 July 2024.

The Panel to meet Sandra Stewart, Chief Executive (Director of Children’s Services), to receive an update on the current situation in Children’s Services including short and longer term plans.

The Panel to meet Councillor Teresa Smith, Executive Member (Children's Services), and Alison Montgomery, Assistant Director Children’s, to receive a report highlighting the progress, barriers and risks against the priorities and work areas within the Children’s Services Improvement Plan, and key actions for the next reporting period.

The Panel to meet Councillor Teresa Smith, Executive Member (Children's Services), Alison Montgomery, Assistant Director Children’s, and Debbie Wood, Participation and Equalities Officer, to receive a report outlining the annual overview of participation and engagement activity spanning from April 2023 to March 2024 across Children’s Services.

The Panel to meet Councillor Teresa Smith, Executive Member (Children's Services), and Alison Montgomery, Assistant Director Children’s, to receive a report detailing a Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman complaint that was submitted by a customer that had complained regarding the Council not providing overnight respite care for children since August 2022.

To receive any updates from the Chair on the activity and future priorities for the Panel.

To note that the next meeting of the Children’s Services Scrutiny Panel will take place on Wednesday, 6 November 2024.

To consider any additional items the Chair is of the opinion shall be dealt with as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

This item has been added to the agenda at the request of the Chair. The Chair was of the opinion that the Commissioner’s report, although not included on the agenda, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 to enable the Panel to duly consider the Commissioner’s report at the earliest available opportunity following its publication on 17 September 2024.