Purpose

To provide Cabinet with an update on the
national and local issues relating to the Children’s Services
Directorate

Content

Cabinet received a report
providing an update on:

·      
national and local developments relating to the
Children's Services Directorate, including the key policy changes
relating to safeguarding as outlined in Working Together to
Safeguard Children 2023.

·      
key drivers and pressures that were affecting the
placement market and the availability and affordability of suitable
placements. The report also highlighted the opportunities and
progress on improving placement provision and reducing costs and
increasing placement choice and availability for
Buckinghamshire’s looked after children.

·      
outcome of the Joint Targeted Area Inspection (JTAI)
that took place in January 2024.

·      
Children's Services transformation programme, which
aimed to streamline service delivery across Early Help and Social
Care, reduce handoffs and prioritise the development of supportive
and enabling relationships between families and
professionals.
 
RESOLVED that the national and local developments across the
Children’s Services Directorate be NOTED.