Purpose

Initial Decision to proceed with the plan to be part of the regional approach to mainstream fostering as set out by DfE policy in February 2026.
Initial Decision to proceed with the plan to be part of the bidding for and development of the Regional Care Cooperative.
Agreement for further decision making on both these areas to be delegated to the Executive Director of Children, Young People and Education/Director of Children's Services and the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People.

Decision

RESOLVED:

1. Cabinet agree to the Authority entering into an agreement to be part of the expanded North East Regional Fostering Hub in line with national policy and guidance, subject to the Director of Law and Governance agreeing to the terms and conditions of such agreement.
2. Cabinet agree to the Authority supporting a North East Regional bid to become a ‘Wave 2’ Regional Care Cooperative national pathfinder and to support the submission of a bid to the Department for Education by 22nd May 2026.

·       Authorise the Executive Director for Children, Young People and Education in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, the Director of Transformation and Resources and the Director of Law and Governance to take all necessary steps to implement the above recommendations.