The Children and Young People's Scrutiny Panel was scheduled to discuss the progress of the Looked After Children Sufficiency Strategy, alongside updates on private fostering and the council's social care annual performance. The meeting's agenda also included a review of the draft budget and medium-term financial strategy.

Looked After Children Sufficiency Strategy 2022/26: Progress Report

The panel was scheduled to receive a progress report on the Looked After Children Sufficiency Strategy for 2022-2026. This strategy aims to ensure that there are sufficient high-quality placements available for children in the care of the council. The report was expected to detail key measures of progress, including the expansion of in-borough provision, the opening of new residential facilities such as Haslemere, and efforts to recruit and retain foster carers. It was also anticipated to address challenges in foster carer recruitment and provide an overview of the current status of children in residential provision.

Social Care Annual Performance 2022/2023

An update on the council's social care performance for the period of 2022-2023 was scheduled for discussion. This report was intended to provide an overview of safeguarding activity and the performance related to looked-after children. It was expected to highlight the progress made in safeguarding children and young people, as well as identify areas of challenge and the actions taken in response to local demand and financial pressures. The report was also to detail priorities for 2023-2024, informed by the year's performance and Ofsted findings. Key performance indicators, including the number of contacts and referrals to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), the experiences and progress of children who need help and protection, children in care, and care leavers, were likely to be covered. The report was also to address the performance of the Disabled Children's Team, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, Section 47 enquiries, initial child protection conferences, child protection plans, and placement stability for children in care. Furthermore, the report was to provide an update on unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, adoptions, and the support provided to care leavers up to the age of 25. Finally, it was to cover workforce initiatives related to recruitment and retention of social workers.

Private Fostering September 2022-2023

The panel was scheduled to review a report on private fostering arrangements between September 2022 and September 2023. The report's purpose was to update members on notifications, assessments, and monitoring activities related to private fostering, ensuring that privately fostered children are adequately safeguarded. It was intended to outline the council's compliance with statutory requirements for assessing these arrangements and the support provided to the children and young people involved. The report was also expected to share current themes, trends, and significant information with wider safeguarding implications, as well as outline planned developments for 2023-2024 to enhance the identification, assessment, and monitoring of private fostering arrangements. The report would define a privately fostered child and outline the legal framework and relevant standards, including the Children Act 1989 and the Children (Private Arrangements for Fostering) Regulations 2005. It was also to address the specific context of Ukrainian children arriving in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, who may be considered privately fostered. The report was to detail statutory expectations for local authorities, including the duty to assess and monitor arrangements, and the promotion of welfare through initial visits, checks, and ongoing support. The report was to present data on private fostering notifications received between 2020 and 2023, including the sources of referrals and the demographics of the children involved. It was also to outline the outcomes of notifications, the monitoring and support provided, and efforts to promote awareness of private fostering across Haringey.

Scrutiny of the 2024/25 Draft Budget & 5 Year Medium Term Financial Strategy 2024/2029

The panel was scheduled to scrutinise the council's draft budget and its 5-year Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2024-2029, specifically relating to the panel's remit. The report was to outline the overall budget gap, demand pressures, and proposed savings. For Children's Services, the report was expected to detail challenges arising from increased demand and rising costs, including specific proposals for savings and growth. The capital programme for Children's Services, particularly concerning school infrastructure and the management of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete), was also to be discussed. The discussion was anticipated to cover the budget position within Children's Services, the potential for further savings, and the implications for statutory responsibilities and the safety of children. The report was also to address the government's commitment to covering capital costs for RAAC remediation and potential revenue costs incurred by schools. The adequacy of the allocated budget to meet demands, the impact on non-statutory services, and the consultation process for budget savings were also expected to be covered. Specific attention was to be given to a new revenue saving proposal related to the development of a transition service for young people with SEND, detailing its operational aspects and financial profiling. The report was also to address the potential review of the capital programme and any recommendations the panel might make to the Cabinet.

Work Programme Update

The panel was scheduled to receive an update on its work programme. This would likely include a review of ongoing scrutiny projects, such as those focusing on physical activity and sport, housing and children, and listening to children and young people. It would also cover one-off items scheduled for discussion at the panel's meetings throughout the year, such as Cabinet Member questions, updates on specific reports, and the Haringey Youth Justice Strategic Plan.

Cabinet Member Questions - Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Families

A verbal update was scheduled from the Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Families. This agenda item typically allows the panel to ask questions directly to the Cabinet Member on matters within their portfolio.

Other Scheduled Items

The meeting was also scheduled to include items on filming at meetings, apologies for absence, items of urgent business, declarations of interest, deputations/petitions/presentations/questions, and the approval of minutes from the previous meeting. The dates of future meetings were also to be confirmed.