Issue - meetings

Nigel Minns, Strategic Director (People Directorate) presented the report to the Committee and provided an overview of the Council’s approach to recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.  A full report was presented to Cabinet on June 11, 2020.

The report presented to the Committee focused on response and actions taken by services within the remit of the committee.  The Committee noted that part one of the report provided a summary of what has happened over the last three months; including information on which schools remained open during lockdown and which offered online lessons.  The following points were also highlighted –

o   Support for mental health for children

o   High level of participation in online events.

o   Plans for development and risk assessments moving forward.

o   Commission services – focused online offer from children and family services.

Regarding those children who did not have equipment or access to Wi-Fi connections, the Committee noted that 1,400 laptops had been made available to the Council from the Department for Education (DfE).  890 laptops have so far been distributed.  Primarily, they have been given to Year Ten children or those with a social worker.  MiFi devices have also been distributed to give access to Wi-Fi.

The Committee was informed that the laptop scheme does not include young carers.  It was confirmed that this issue is being looked at by Officers.  The Chair suggested contacting local MPs in relation to this.

It was confirmed that there are some children who are not interacting with on-line lessons.  The is blended learning in place and officers are working to find solutions.  The DfE has recently increased the criteria for the laptop scheme and is looking to extend the offer.  There are weekly meetings with council officers to look at moving this forward.

John Coleman, Assistant Director for Children and Families confirmed that there were a number of children who had been unable to move on from care due to the pandemic.  It was confirmed that while Court hearings have continued with agreed placement cases, there is a backlog as a result of Covid-19.

It was confirmed to the Committee that there has been a lot of virtual support for foster carers and that the feedback has all been very positive.  It is likely that the virtual support offer will continue after the pandemic with a lot of families enjoying the new way of engagement.  It was also confirmed that the foster carer forums that have been set up as a result of the pandemic will also continue.

Ian Budd, Assistant Director (Education Services) confirmed that officers have been holding twice weekly meetings.  This has allowed them to share good practice as well as advice and guidance through these unprecedented times.

Following a question in relation to the wellbeing of children and young people, it was confirmed that there is a lot of work currently being done in this area.  This includes a webinar programme.  It was noted that the participation in the programme is always increasing and is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4