The Corporate Parenting Board of the Isles of Scilly Council met on Wednesday, 10 June 2026. The meeting agenda included a review of the actions tracker, draft minutes from the previous meeting, draft Terms of Reference for the Board, practical guidance on members' responsibilities and expectations, a definition of vulnerable children and the role of the Corporate Parenting Board, and the development of a Corporate Parenting Core Offer.

Actions Tracker

The meeting began with a review of the actions tracker, which detailed outstanding tasks from the previous meeting on 26 March 2026. The status of several actions was discussed, including those related to the circulation of draft Terms of Reference, the Care Ready Strategy, and previous Full Council papers. The development of practical guidance on members' responsibilities and expectations, and the drafting of a proposed definition of vulnerable children tailored to the Isles of Scilly context, were also noted. Actions related to developing a data performance framework and a clearly defined cohort of children and young people were identified as remaining open, with updates expected at a future meeting. Guidance for members on participation and engagement was also noted as ongoing.

Draft Minutes from 26 March 2026

The Board reviewed information related to its previous meeting held on 26 March 2026. Discussions at that meeting had focused on corporate parenting responsibilities on the Isles of Scilly, with an overview of statutory duties provided by Claire Burgess, a DfE Improvement Adviser. Due to the low number of children in care on the islands, the proposal was to focus on developing a Care Ready Island approach. The minutes also recorded a presentation from Caleigh Soule, a care leaver, who shared her lived experience and highlighted the importance of extended support. The Board's engagement with the Care Ready Island approach and the adoption of the strategy as a foundational framework were noted.

Draft Terms of Reference

The Board was scheduled to consider the draft Terms of Reference for the Corporate Parenting Board. These terms outline the Board's purpose, scope, and responsibilities, including its role in overseeing statutory corporate parenting duties and the wider needs of vulnerable children. The document references key legislation such as the Children Act 1989 and the Children and Social Work Act 2017. The primary purpose of the Board, as outlined in the draft terms, is the implementation of a Care Ready strategy to ensure that Every child and young person on the Isles of Scilly, particularly those identified as vulnerable, are safe, supported, and able to thrive with strong relationships, high aspirations, and opportunities to succeed. The responsibilities detailed include ensuring a corporate parenting culture, oversight of vulnerable children, quality of practice, participation and the voice of the child, partnership accountability, outcomes and future readiness, performance monitoring, and risk management.

Practical Guidance on Members' Responsibilities & Expectations

This agenda item focused on providing practical guidance for Board members regarding their corporate parenting responsibilities and expectations. The document highlighted that the absence of current looked-after children does not diminish these responsibilities, instead placing greater emphasis on preparedness and a swift, child-centred response. Guidance was provided for specific roles, including the Chair, elected councillors, and council officers, outlining their focus areas such as maintaining vigilance, fostering transparency, advocating for children, and ensuring comprehensive analysis and evidence are presented. Partners were guided to focus on recognising vulnerability, clear pathways into services, and contributing practical insights. Business and lay community members were encouraged to share insights, consider community support, and address stigma. The guidance for Board meetings stressed a strategic focus on early identification, robust preparedness, scenario testing, and ensuring actions lead to tangible improvements.

Definition of Vulnerable Children and Role of the Corporate Parenting Board

The Board was set to discuss a definition of vulnerable children tailored to the Isles of Scilly context. The paper explained that vulnerability is understood as an increased likelihood of poorer outcomes due to individual, familial, and environmental factors, noting that the unique geography and isolation of the islands can both protect and intensify vulnerability. It was emphasised that vulnerability is not static and can be influenced by changes in circumstances. The document highlighted the importance of a systems and place-based perspective, cumulative and overlapping needs, and common drivers of vulnerability relevant to the islands, such as family stress, domestic abuse, and limited access to specialist services. The paper also touched upon hidden vulnerability and the protective factors present on the Isles of Scilly, such as community cohesion. The implications for corporate parenting included ensuring children are safe, healthy, and able to achieve, promoting stability, listening to their voices, removing barriers, championing equality of opportunity, and supporting transitions into adulthood.

Corporate Parenting Core Offer

This agenda item aimed to facilitate a discussion on the development of a proportionate Corporate Parenting Core Offer. The objective is to ensure that vulnerable children and young people on the Isles of Scilly are safe, well supported, and able to thrive, within a system ready to respond effectively as a corporate parent. The discussion framework covered several key areas: Accommodation and Stability, Education and Opportunity, Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Support Networks, Financial and Resource Considerations, Participation and Voice of the Child, Early Help and Prevention, and System Readiness. For each area, objectives and discussion points were outlined to guide the Board's assessment of service arrangements. Following the discussion, the Director of Children's Services was to develop the Offer and a focused action plan, to be presented for approval at a future meeting.