Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked members of the Committee to introduce themselves.

The emergency evacuation procedure was explained.

It was noted that Councillor Shona Jemphrey had given apologies for this meeting.  Councillor George Calascione attended as a substitute for Cllr Jemphrey.

To note any declarations of interest from councillors. They are asked to

indicate the relevant agenda item, the nature of the interest and in particular

whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest.

Any declaration of interest made at the meeting which is not on the register of

interests should be notified to the Monitoring Officer for inclusion.

There were no declarations of interest.

In response to a question at the previous meeting from a committee member who asked if the Quality Improvement and Performance (QuIP) Board minutes could be made available to Members; Hannah Woodhouse, Executive Director for Children and Education confirmed that a summary would be included in the regular Children and Education Service Update Report from November onwards.

A very brief discussion was had about potential topics for a future Task and Finish Group.  ‘School attendance’ being one suggestion.

The Committee RESOLVED:

- To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the held on 29th August as a correct record.

To receive any announcements from the Chair.

The Chair highlighted that the draft SEND Inclusion Strategy had been launched that week and was on the Committee’s agenda.  This was the culmination of 18 moths to 2 years work.  The draft Strategy was out to consultation. The consultation closed on the 28th October and the Chair encouraged people to have an input. The final version of the Strategy would be brought back to the Committee for sign-off in January. 

Up to 30 minutes is allowed for this item.

Any member of the public or councillor may participate in Public Forum. Public Forum items must relate to the remit of the committee and should be addressed to the Chair of the committee.

Members of the public who plan to attend a public meeting at City Hall are advised that you will be required to sign in when you arrive. Please note that you will be issued with a visitor pass which you will need to display at all times.

Please also note:

Questions

1.      Written public questions must be received by 5.00 pm, at least 3 clear working days prior to the meeting. For this meeting, this means that questions must be received at the latest by 5.00 pm on Friday 11 October 2024. Please email questions to policycommittees@bristol.gov.uk

2.      Any individual can submit up to 3 written questions.

3.      Written replies to questions will be available on the Council’s website at least one hour before the meeting.

4.      At the meeting, questioners will be permitted to ask up to 2 oral supplementary questions.

Statements

1.      Written statements must be received at latest by 12.00 noon, at least 2 working days prior to the meeting. For this meeting, this means that statements must be received at the latest by 12.00 noon on Tues 15 October 2024. Please email statements to policycommittees@bristol.gov.uk

2.      Statements, provided they are no more than 1,000 words in length, will be circulated to all committee members and will be published on the Council’s website at least one hour before the meeting.

Petitions

1.      Details of the wording of any petitions, and the number of signatories to petitions must be received at latest by 12.00 noon, at least 2 working days prior to the meeting. For this meeting, this means that petition details must be received at the latest by 12.00 noon on Tues 15 October 2024. Please email petition details to policycommittees@bristol.gov.uk

2.      At the meeting, individuals presenting petitions may be required to read out the objectives of the petition.

When submitting a question or statement please indicate whether you are planning to attend the meeting to present your statement ask your question.

As no public forum had been received for this meeting, it was highlighted that a new foster carer recruitment campaign had been launched that day. A short film called ‘Everything’ that accompanied the campaign, and which aimed to show how rewarding and life-changing fostering can be, was shown to the Committee and members of the public in the Chamber. 

The Children and Young People Policy Committee was noted.

The Committee considered a report that provided an update on the delivery and performance of Children’s Services in line with the statutory expectations of the Director of Children’s Services. The report identified key challenges and risks for consideration, areas of progress, and upcoming activity.

The Chair confirmed that the report was for information purposes only.

Hannah Woodhouse, Executive Director for Children and Education briefly outlined the key points in the report to Members.

Officers were waiting for the Government to make budget announcements in key areas including special education needs (SEN) funding news and this would be included in the next update report. 

Officers continued to monitor school attendance throughout the year.  The start of the year was always good. 

Sanctuary Services had now moved into Children’s Services due to the high number of children that are affected.

The following points were discussed and questions asked:

Would additional Wrap Around Childcare and breakfast clubs, which were a manifesto promise from the new government be made more accessible to SEND children? For example, would there be extra staff so they were able to access?  The Executive Director said that this hadn’t yet been made clear but she would come back to Members when she knew.  The Chair said she had also asked about this and officers were waiting for the Department for Education (DfE) to clarify what they wanted to be rolled out. The Senior Commissioning Manager in attendance said they were pushing Bristol Association of Neighbourhood Daycare (BAND) to encourage childcare providers to get ready for this. 

How could appropriate support be provided to those children in schools that don’t have an ECHP but still have high needs? The Executive Director of Children and Education highlighted that school funding had been very challenging for at least the last 10 yrs. The Council had now developed the Early Intervention Fund for schools and a new outreach service with early intervention and support for children with SEND. Officers also highlighted this was focused on prevention and early intervention, to avoid crisis situations.

How does children’s attainment in schools compare to those in other core cities? The Chair stated that Bristol is in the lower 10% of core cities.  The Executive Director said they held that information and could share it with the Committee Members and also added that it was possible to improve Bristol’s standing.

The Committee RESOLVED;

-           to note the report as per the recommendation.

The Children and Young People Committee noted performance against the Business Plan relevant to this Committee, including the theme summary report and issues raised, and measures to address performance issues to be implemented by relevant services.

The Committee received a report that briefed them on the Children and Education Service’s performance against the BCC Business Plan as relevant to the remit of this Committee for quarter 1 and highlights areas for additional performance improvement support.

This report was for information purposes.

Shaine Wells, Children’s Services Performance Advisor briefly outlined the report.

It was asked how an ECHP’s timescale was measured when it is first rejected and then extended. 

Officers said they would need to take that question away and provide a response after the meeting.  The Chair highlighted that the target waiting time of 20 weeks had a ‘long thin tail’.  Officers said last year the average wait time was 36 weeks.  It was now said to be 33 weeks.  They were working with the Bristol Parent Carer Forum to see how they and schools can provide additional support to families during this time.

The Committee Resolved;

-           to note performance against the Business Plan relevant to this Committee, including the theme summary report and issues raised, and measures to address performance issues to be implemented by relevant services.

The Children and Young People Committee noted the report.

The Committee Members considered a report that provided an update on the current significant, strategic risks relevant to the Committee.  The risks related to achieving objectives set in the Council’s Corporate Strategy 2022-2027 and the report summarised progress in managing the risks and actions being taken as at Quarter 2.

It was noted that there were no decisions to be taken on this report which was for information.

The Executive Director: Children and Education briefly outlined the report.

A Member highlighted that at the recent Strategy and Resources Committee meeting some concern had been raised about these risks and it had been noted how this Committee had good oversight of them

The Committee Resolved;

-           to note the report.

The Committee for Children & Young People noted:

1. The General Fund forecast outturn revenue overspend of £23.8 million against the council approved budget at P5 2024/25.

2. The forecast position of a net £15.0 million overspend in the Dedicated Schools Grant following the application of the DfE’s 24/25 Safety Valve combined with contribution from the General Fund (totalling £15.9m), that a total £52.2 million is to be carried forward in the DSG deficit reserve.

3. The forecast position of £4.4m underspend on the capital programme revised budget 2024/25.

The Committee considered a Period 5 Finance Update report that presented information and analysis on the Directorate’s financial performance against the 2024/25 approved budget and its forecast use of resources for this financial year.

It was noted the report was for information purposes only.

Hannah Woodhouse - Executive Director for Children and Education briefly outlined the key points in the report.

The Executive Director underlined the General Fund forecast outturn revenue overspend of £23.8 million against the council approved budget.

- Residential placements were said to be the main reason for the overspend and currently totalled £16m.

- These were said to be the highest need placements in terms of complexity and cost and there said to be 92 children currently in residential placements.

- There would be an agenda item in November about early intervention and home to school transport which were both areas where savings had not been not been delivered.

- A £15m variance on the Direct Schools Grant (DSG) was highlighted and it was said the Council was in discussions with central Government about the Safety Valve Programme and variances.

The Committee were invited to raise comments or questions. Key points from the discussion included:

In reply to a query about a legal challenge to the Safety Valve Programme officers were limited in what they could say about the review other than they wanted a sensible conclusion. But it was noted there would be a hearing later this year.

The Chair highlighted that the main capital underspend was a delay on the youth zone project but that the work was now progressing. 

It was asked, what had officers meant when they said they were working closer with parents? Officers said they were referring to the Parent and Carer Forum and the co-production work to engage with them and to reflect on their experiences. They were however sure there was lots more to do though.

A Member commented that relationships still did not feel as though they were working as they ought to be and that the Safety Valve Programme was fuelling some of that unease. Officers said they were hopefully moving in right direction and they wanted co-production to be how they worked going forwards and that this was a step in the right direction.

The Children and Young People Committee Resolved;

1. to note the General Fund forecast outturn revenue overspend of £23.8 million against the council approved budget at P5 2024/25.

2. to note the forecast position of a net £15.0 million overspend in the Dedicated Schools Grant following the application of the DfE’s 24/25 Safety Valve combined with contribution from the General Fund (totalling £15.9m), that a total £52.2 million is to be carried forward in the DSG deficit reserve.

3. to note the forecast position of £4.4m underspend on the capital programme revised budget 2024/25.

The Committee for Children and Young People noted the SEND and Inclusion Strategy draft 2024-2028

The Committee received a report presented a final draft of the SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2024-2028 which was out for public consultation until 28 October 2024.

It was noted that the report was for information purposes only.

Emma Lloyd, Head of Inclusion, briefly outlined the report to Members.

The Chair highlighted that this was a key document for the Committee.  Officers confirmed the current consultation ran from the 16th September until the 28th October.  Following that it would be brought back to the Committee in January. The draft strategy set out how the partnership would make improvements for children and young people with SEND over the next four years.

A target of 200 respondents had been set. Officers were also planning some co-production workshops.

The Vice Chair commented that she read it and thought it very positive. Other comments from Committee members were also generally positive. 

The Children and Young People Committee RESOLVED;

-           to note the SEND and Inclusion Strategy draft 2024-2028.

The Committee for Children and Young People:

1. Approved the Full Business Case for the development of homes for children in care in Bristol at a total cost of £2.2m capital.

2. Authorised the Executive Director of Children and Education in consultation with Chair of the Children and Young People’s Policy Committee to take all steps required to implement the business case including to procure and award all necessary contracts (including construction, works and services contracts) in-line with the maximum budget envelopes as outlined in this report.

The Committee received a report that sought approval of Phase 1 of the Children’s Sufficiency Capital Investment Case, and agreement of capital investment of £2.2m to develop a same day crisis children’s home, a disabled children’s home and a supported accommodation scheme.

It was noted this was a key decision as it involved spend of over £500k.

Hannah Gillett, Senior Commissioning Manager, briefly outlined the report.

It was confirmed that this was Phase 1 of 2 being brought to the Committee and that officers would return at later date with Phase 2.  The Sufficiency Programme would bring many benefits to children in the City as well as some financial benefits.

Key points from the discussion included:

Clarification was sought on the point that there were currently no care homes in Bristol for children with disabilities.  Where did those children currently go? It was confirmed some children were being cared for out of the area in North Somerset and some even further afield.

Officers said they intended to bring Phase 2 back to the Committee for approval within the next 6 months.

It was suggested that if the Council was building houses, that some should be allocated specifically for care leavers.  Officers said they were working with registered providers and GORAM Homes and were broadly having those conversations.

Officers confirmed the £2.2m would be spent on the 3 projects specified in the report.  It was expected that the provider would also lever in additional funding.

Did the buildings currently exist? Some did yes but officers were also looking at disposals lists for cost effective options. 

The Chair then moved the recommendations as set out in the report. Councillor Hornchen seconded the motion.

The Committee RESOLVED (unanimously);

1.  to Approve the Full Business Case for the development of homes for children in care in Bristol at a total cost of £2.2m capital.

2.  to authorise the Executive Director of Children and Education, in consultation with Chair of the Children and Young People’s Policy Committee to take all steps required to implement the business case, including to procure and award all necessary contracts (including construction, works and services contracts) in-line with the maximum budget envelopes as outlined in this report.

That the Children & Young People Committee:

1.  Authorises the Executive Director for Children and Education in consultation with Chair of the Children and Young People Committee to vary and award the Childcare Development and Sustainability Service contract, in-line with the procurement routes and maximum budget envelopes outlined in this report.

2.  Authorises the Executive Director for Children and Education to invoke any subsequent extensions/variations specifically defined in the contract(s) being awarded, up to the maximum budget envelope outlined in this report.

The Committee received a report that sought approval to vary the Childcare Development and Sustainability Service contract, to extend by one year to 31 December 2025, to provide continuity for childcare market in the run-up to the roll-out of increased funded hours.

It was confirmed this was a key decision as it involved spend over £500k and impacted on more than 2 wards.

 Hannah Gillett, Senior Commissioning Manager briefly outlined the report to Members.

A Member commented that they had been aware of the work of Bristol Association for Neighbourhood Daycare (BAND) Ltd for a long time. They also welcomed this invaluable work with children. Officers said this was supporting services to be even more inclusive.

A Member referenced Appendix F of the report that stated children should have access green spaces.  They added that access depended on which part of the City children lived and whether green spaces were perceived as safe spaces.  Officers said they would work across departments to get that point understood. 

The Chair then moved the recommendations as set out in the report. Councillor Katja Hornchen seconded the motion.

The Committee RESOLVED (unanimously);

1.  to authorise the Executive Director for Children and Education in consultation with the Chair of the Children and Young People Committee to vary and award the Childcare Development and Sustainability Service contract, in-line with the procurement routes and maximum budget envelopes outlined in this report.

2.  to authorise the Executive Director for Children and Education to invoke any subsequent extensions/variations specifically defined in the contract(s) being awarded, up to the maximum budget envelope outlined in this report.

The Children and Young People Policy Committee:

1. Authorised the Executive Director of Children and Education, in consultation with Chair of the Children and Young People’s Committee to procure and award the INM block contract in-line with the procurement routes and maximum budget envelopes outlined in this report.

2. Authorised the Executive Director of Children and Education, to invoke any subsequent extensions/variations specifically defined in the contract(s) being awarded, up to the maximum budget envelope outlined in this report.

The Committee received a report that sought approval for the running of a mini-competition under the Independent Non- Maintained Special School framework which the Council is part of, and for the subsequent award of a block contract for 20 placements in an independent special school in the Bristol area (BS1 – BS16) for up to 3 years.  These placements would be for children who present with a range of complex, additional learning needs.

It was noted this was a key decision as it involved spend of over £500k.

Hannah Gillett, Senior Commissioning Manager, briefly outlined the report and stated the Council wanted the best value it could get from this which meant making sure they got the best price for those placements.

The Chair clarified that placements had to have Bristol post code and that officers were making sure they got  the best price for those placements.

There were no additional comments or questions from Members. 

For the clarity of the committee and for the benefit of ay members of the public present, the Chair read out the report recommendations. 

The Chair then moved the report.  This was seconded by Councillor Katja Hornchen.

The Committee Resolved (unanimously):

1.  to authorise the Executive Director of Children and Education, in consultation with Chair of the Children and Young People’s Committee to procure and award the INM block contract in-line with the procurement routes and maximum budget envelopes outlined in this report.

2.  to authorise the Executive Director of Children and Education, to invoke any subsequent extensions/variations specifically defined in the contract(s) being awarded, up to the maximum budget envelope outlined in this report.