The Children, Adults, Health and Wellbeing Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel reviewed the B&NES Community Safety & Safeguarding Partnership's Annual Report and discussed key trends in school attendance and exclusions. The panel also received updates on various council initiatives, including the development of new special schools and the Safety Valve programme.

B&NES Community Safety & Safeguarding Partnership Annual Report

The panel received the B&NES Community Safety & Safeguarding Partnership (BCSSP) Annual Report for 2023-2024. The report detailed the partnership's work in multi-agency learning, practice development, quality assurance, and training. Key achievements included progress on the Under 1s initiative, the implementation of the ICON programme for infant crying, and a learning event on self-neglect. The report also outlined the partnership's commitments for 2024-2025, focusing on community safety, safeguarding children and adults, and overarching priorities such as improving policies and data analysis.

During the discussion, Kevin Burnett raised concerns about the lack of specific targets and year-on-year benchmarking data in the report, making it difficult to assess performance. He also expressed concern over the number of missing children in the Avon & Somerset area, particularly in B&NES. The Director of Children's Services & Education acknowledged these points, noting that targets are often set nationally and that the number of missing children incidents may be due to a cohort of young people going missing frequently. She also highlighted collaboration with the Youth Justice Board and police on issues like County Lines.

Councillor Liz Hardman shared concerns about child protection figures, noting that B&NES appeared to be the worst in the country for initial child protection conferences being held within the required timescales after the threshold was met. Councillor Paul Crossley inquired about how physically disabled people were being addressed within the partnership's processes, and whether there were racial disparities in the data. The Director of Children's Services & Education stated that the Disabled Children's Team works across all services and that there is an over-representation of both BAME and SEND young people in Youth Justice figures, with a sub-group established to address this. Councillor Joanna Wright questioned the location of the Self-Neglect Policy and the documentation of information sharing, while Councillor Lesley Mansell asked about actions to address the increase in child abuse offences and the lack of an Equalities Impact Assessment for the report.

The panel resolved to note the BCSSP Annual Report and Executive Summary, and requested that their queries and additional areas for consideration be addressed in 2024-2025.

School Attendance and Exclusions - Key Trends Across 2022-2023 and 2023-2024

Sarah Gunner, Head of the Virtual School, presented an overview of school attendance and exclusion trends. She highlighted the timely release of new statutory guidance from the government on improving school attendance, emphasizing that it is a shared responsibility. The council has a clear Strategic Attendance Plan, which is beginning to show positive results. A particular focus is on vulnerable pupils, including children in need, looked after children, and those under child protection plans, to address persistent and severe absence.

Councillor Harding asked about the most common reasons for persistent absence over the past four years, and why B&NES's attendance rates for pupils eligible for Free School Meals were worse than other local authorities. Ms. Gunner stated she would check the data for the former and that this issue would be raised with colleagues. Kevin Burnett noted the general trend of reduction in figures and asked for reasons behind this. Ms. Gunner explained that most suspensions were for persistent disruptive behaviour and that work was underway with Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) on behaviour support. She confirmed that these measures would apply to children in need and those under child protection plans, as the Virtual School's remit had expanded to include strategic oversight of these groups.

Councillor Hardman commented positively on the reduction in permanent exclusions and the focus on reducing suspended vulnerable pupils, asking if the most up-to-date figures were being provided. Ms. Gunner confirmed that only published data was available, though internal data showed a slight increase in this area. Councillor Ruth Malloy requested that future reports include data on children educated at home and services supporting them, which Ms. Gunner confirmed she oversees. The Chair suggested including the education of traveller children and children in hospital in future reports. Councillor Wright raised concerns about pupils being penalised for lateness, leading to non-attendance, and the pressure on families. Ms. Gunner acknowledged the difficulty some families face and stated that Education Inclusion Officers would query penalties.

Councillor Mansell requested that the report's information be broken down by ward and expressed surprise at the lack of complete disability data, particularly for neurodivergent pupils. Ms. Gunner agreed that ward data could be supplied and more information on disability included in future reports.

The panel resolved to note the positive overall attendance figures, acknowledge the need to address attendance for children open to CPP, note the reduction in permanent exclusions, and be assured of the ongoing collaboration between local authority officers, schools, and partners to improve educational outcomes.

Cabinet Member Update

Councillor Paul May, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, provided an update on several key areas.

Safety Valve Update: The local authority's re-submission to the government's Safety Valve programme was on hold pending the new government's policy assessment. The plan had been updated and resubmitted, with the council awaiting further instructions. Councillor Hardman expressed concern about the need for a third submission and asked about the requirements for a successful one. Councillor May stated that clarity was being sought from the new government and that the submission was a slight tweak to the previous one. The Chair requested a further update on Safety Valve at the December meeting.

Special Schools Development: Progress was reported on the Culverhay site project to deliver a Special Free School and an Alternative Provision School. A project manager and architects were being appointed. For the Charlton House site, the service specification had been published, with a provider to be appointed in February 2025. Public consultation was planned for late November, with a planning application submission by March 2025. The projected opening was September 2026, with an aim to open sooner if possible. Kevin Burnett asked who would decide on the provider for the Charlton House school, and was informed it would be the Department for Education (DfE). He also questioned the use of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding, which Councillor May clarified would not be from the DSG but from initial Safety Valve funding.

Ofsted Engagements: Ofsted would retain annual conversations on social care and move to termly conversations regarding education.

Corporate Parenting: A recent meeting had good attendance, with a review of the venue and room style planned. Councillor Wright proposed applying for a Sycamore Gap tree sapling for Alice Park as part of the Trees of Hope initiative, to create a space showing care for Looked After Children. Councillor May and officers supported the proposal, and the Chair requested consultation with young people. Councillor Wright proposed that the Constitution Working Group consider including a rule for councillors to attend at least one Corporate Parenting meeting per year. The Chair noted that such a rule might not be legally allowable but an expectation could be set. The panel resolved to request the Constitution Working Group consider this.

DFE Update: The DfE announced match funding for Capital Development, including residential homes. Children's Services would develop residential home options with external expertise.

Schools Streets: One pilot had been agreed, and expressions of interest were sought from other schools.

Youth Justice Inspection: An HMIP inspection of the Youth Justice Service was announced, focusing on preventing offending and supporting children in the justice system. Inspectors would be on-site for one week in October. Feedback would be provided post-inspection.

Children with Complex Needs: The review of children with complex support packages across B&NES, Swindon, and Wiltshire, and the ICB, was ongoing.

Culverhay Leisure Centre: Councillor Crossley inquired if the possibility of reopening the swimming pool had been raised in discussions about the Culverhay site. Councillor May confirmed it had been part of discussions and that a report was being sought for Cabinet. The Chair asked about the impact of the new Residents Parking Zone on staff parking at Dartmouth Avenue, with confirmation that sufficient spaces were available. Regarding community consultation for the Culverhay site and potential housing, Councillor May stated the DfE was aware of the desire for leisure facilities, but a definitive answer on the pool's retention or size was not yet possible. Public consultation was expected at the design stage.

Black History Month: Councillor Wright asked about the number of press releases regarding Black History Month, and Councillor May stated he would discuss this with the Head of Corporate Office.

Youth Justice Service Inspection: Councillor Saini asked about potential improvements from the upcoming inspection. The Director of Education & Children's Services replied that the team was preparing for the visit and the outcome would be shared.

B&NES, Swindon & Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) Update

Laura Ambler, Director of Place for B&NES, BSW ICB, responded to questions on various health-related topics.

Stoptober Campaign: The ICB supported the campaign through publicity and signposting to the HCRG Stop Smoking Support and Vaping Advice service, with a focus on deterring people from using single-use vapes.

Maternity Services: Data on the effectiveness of pre- and post-natal support, particularly for trauma, was expected to be shared. A notable reduction in trauma scores was observed for those receiving services from the Ocean team. Councillor Hardman inquired about waiting times for Ocean services and the shortage of midwives, with Ms. Ambler promising further clarification and stating that workforce planning was underway.

Suicide Prevention Strategy: The BSW Suicide Prevention Strategy was to be discussed at the next panel meeting. Ms. Ambler noted that the BSW Suicide Prevention Group had debated the strategy and would formally oversee actions, with a focus on local implementation and responsibility. Areas of deprivation were considered in the strategy, which addressed population health data including age and gender.

Pharmacies: An update on pharmacy resources, staffing, and technology linking pharmacies, GPs, and other agencies was promised for a future update.

Physiotherapy Services: A response to previous enquiries about HCRG physiotherapy services, including uptake, waiting lists, and patient numbers, was to be sourced.

Cancer Services: Data on cancer pathways and trends, including dashboard information for the Elective Recovery Board, could be provided.

Be Well B&NES Initiative: Ms. Ambler stated that this was a broad health and wellbeing campaign focusing on prevention, with metrics captured in various ways. Further discussion with Public Health colleagues would determine what information would benefit the panel.

Social Prescribing: Activities are provided through this service, with a Social Prescribing Manager working with 3SG and the ICB to target areas in need.

Integrated Community Based Care Programme: Ms. Ambler was unable to provide an update on the contract award at this time.

Panel Workplan

The panel noted potential future discussion items, including Home Education/Hospital Education, Social Prescribing, and the 2025/26 Budget. The next meeting on 11 November was rescheduled to start at 12:15 pm.

Statement from Councillor Eleanor Jackson

Councillor Eleanor Jackson addressed the panel regarding disabled access and disability rights. She highlighted concerns about a recent planning application for 'co-living' studio flats, where the provision for disabled people seemed an afterthought, with limited car parking and only three adaptable units. She also pointed out areas within the council's estate where wheelchair access or fire evacuation provisions for disabled people were inadequate, even in modern buildings. Councillor Jackson stressed that disability rights should not be tacked on at the end of reports or ignored in planning. She also raised concerns about the school exclusions report not detailing the number of excluded pupils with disabilities and the lack of information on children withdrawn from school due to unmet needs. She also questioned how many disabled students are survivors of abuse. The Chair suggested Councillor Jackson also address the Climate Emergency & Sustainability Panel regarding housing, and Councillor Wright confirmed she had received responses to her questions about Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), noting that 75% are not issued within the statutory timescale.