The Corporate Parenting Panel of Warwickshire Council was scheduled to discuss a range of important topics concerning children in care. Key areas of focus included updates on Warwickshire's children's homes, performance data, and proposals related to foster pay. The panel was also set to receive a presentation from the Voice, Influence & Change Team and consider items for its future work programme.

Updates from the Chair, Directors and Senior Officers

The panel was scheduled to receive updates from the Chair, Directors, and Senior Officers on matters within the remit of the committee.

Voice, Influence & Change Team

A verbal update and presentation were scheduled from the Voice, Influence & Change Team. This team works to ensure that the voices and experiences of children in care are heard and acted upon.

Warwickshire Children's Homes

The panel was set to receive verbal updates on each of Warwickshire's Children's Homes. These updates would provide information on the operational status and performance of these facilities.

Performance Data

A review of performance data was scheduled, which would likely cover key metrics related to children in care and care leavers. This would allow the panel to assess the effectiveness of services and identify areas for improvement.

Update on Foster Pay Proposals

Rachael Boswell, Head of Homes for Children, was scheduled to provide a verbal update and presentation on proposals concerning foster pay. This discussion would likely address the financial arrangements for foster carers and any proposed changes.

Development of the Work Programme and Items on the Forward Plan

The panel was scheduled to discuss items to be added to its work programme and consider any relevant items from the Forward Plan. This ensures that the panel's future activities align with current priorities and emerging issues concerning corporate parenting.

Warwickshire Virtual School Report

A comprehensive report from the Warwickshire Virtual School was presented, detailing the educational outcomes and support provided to Children in Care (CIC) during the Spring 2026 term. The report highlighted the Virtual School's approach to promoting education, addressing Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and offering enrichment activities. It noted provisional attainment data for CIC across various key stages, with some areas showing stability and others facing challenges due to the complex needs of the cohort. The report also detailed the Virtual School's staffing structure, training initiatives, and its work with children previously in care and those with a social worker.

The report indicated that while Warwickshire's CIC outcomes at the Early Years Foundation Stage were above the national average, performance at Key Stage Four remained a challenge, with a lower percentage achieving Grade 4 and above in English and maths GCSEs. The report attributed this to the complex needs of the cohort, including higher levels of SEND and late entry into care.

Significant emphasis was placed on the Virtual School's proactive approach to supporting CIC, including robust Personal Education Plans (PEPs), targeted Pupil Premium Plus funding, and a range of enrichment activities designed to build confidence and widen horizons. The report also detailed efforts to improve attendance and reduce suspensions for CIC, with positive trends noted in the autumn term of 2025.

The report also outlined the Virtual School's engagement with children previously in care and those with a social worker, providing advice and information to schools and professionals to ensure inclusive practice and support for these vulnerable groups. The anticipated implications of the School, Children and Wellbeing Bill were also considered, with the Virtual School's existing strategies aligning with the bill's focus on wellbeing, inclusion, and multi-agency collaboration.

The appendices to the report provided detailed statistical data on cohort numbers, attainment outcomes, SEND provision, and attendance figures, offering a comprehensive overview of the Virtual School's work and the educational landscape for CIC in Warwickshire.

Work Programme for 2026/2027

The panel was scheduled to review its Work Programme for the upcoming year. This included standing items such as updates from the Chair, Children in Care Council and Care Leaver Forum, and reports on Warwickshire's Children's Homes and performance data. Specific reports planned for future meetings included an update on Foster Pay Proposals, a review of the Care Leaver Offer, and discussions on missing children and mental health services for children in care. The panel was also to consider additions to its work programme, including approaching housing developers about including Children's Homes in new developments and reviewing the panel's responsibilities. Briefing notes were requested on siblings in care.