Agenda item

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 currently at approximately 1600.  The Committee was pleased to hear of the good practice and positive learning that has happened and that will carry on over the summer holidays and into the next academic year.

Following a question from Councillor Jonathan Chilvers in relation to the recruitment of social workers, it was confirmed that there had been no movement since the pandemic – no one has left.  A request for temporary staff was sent out at the start of lock-down and a high number of people who had previously worked as social workers had been in touch. 50% of those have worked during the lock-down period and may continue to do so. 

The Committee discussed the Family Information Service and was informed that the service had been very busy.  Referrals to the MASH service have now reduced to almost ‘normal’ levels having increased at the beginning of lock-down.  It was noted that the significant likelihood was that demand will increase as things start to return to normal.  This was noted to not necessarily be in the number of cases but the complexity of each case.  The Committee received confirmation that resources have already been put in place to face any increase.  It was noted that not all referrals were expected to be related to Covid-19.  In relation to the complexity of cases it was noted that this was likely to be concerning domestic or sexual abuse.  Following a question about how officers were preparing for this, it was confirmed that teams, such as the domestic abuse service, were already investing resources in areas where an increase in demand in anticipated.

The discussion moved onto Wellbeing and Recovery, Ian Budd confirmed that work would move into the recover and reflect period over the summer.  The education workforce would provide access to support for children and young people.  Families will be encouraged to use the support that is available to them. 

Resolved

That the Committee:

1.         Receives and comments on the County County’s approach to Covid-19 Recovery, as set out in the attached Cabinet report.

2.         Comments on the specific issues relevant to the remit of this Committee that should be considered in the development of the Recovery Plan which is due to be submitted to Cabinet in September.