The Corporate Parenting Panel of Harrow Council met on Monday 14 October 2024 to discuss a range of updates concerning children in the council's care. Key topics included the health of looked-after children, participation initiatives for care-experienced young people, and updates on the Corporate Parenting Service, missing children, and the Virtual School.

Harrow Health Report

The Panel received an update on the health of children looked after by Harrow Council. It was noted that 10 out of 12 requests for Initial Health Assessments (IHAs) were received outside the designated timescales, although 8 of these were still seen within the required timeframe. Similarly, 13 out of 28 requests for Review Health Assessments (RHAs) were late, with 7 of these completed on time. Efforts to improve timeliness included fortnightly meetings with local authority colleagues, liaison with senior managers, and the introduction of flexible appointments, including Saturday clinics, alongside reminder calls to carers and young people. A positive case study highlighted the significant transformation of a young person following interventions from a Children Looked After (CLA) Nurse. The Panel also heard that Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) operates across boroughs, with teams travelling up to 20 miles from Harrow to support young people with assessments, which can be expedited for those experiencing mental health decline or vulnerability.

Report from Care Experienced Young People Event and Participation Annual Report

The Panel was presented with an update on events and activities for children looked after, which included connecting 19 young people with free gym memberships. Nine events and activities were hosted, with 39 attendees aged between 6 and 19. Work experience placements were coordinated with local businesses, and a dedicated outing for unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children took place. Young people also attended a careers day at Google offices and visited Bournemouth and Middlesbrough Universities. Positive feedback was received, with one young person stating, as refugees, this makes us feel welcome. A Corporate Parenting Board Event was held on 2 October 2024, bringing together care-experienced young people and council members. During this event, young people highlighted the need for improvement in providing guarantors for independent accommodation, particularly for university students. The establishment of forums and drop-in sessions to allow young people to express their views was also noted.

Corporate Parenting Service Update

An update from the Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting indicated improvements in the timeliness of reviews, exceeding the target for 2024/2025, and significant progress in placement moves. The number of care leavers in suitable accommodation had also seen a slight increase, with over 70% of young people in employment or education training by the end of the first quarter. A concern was raised regarding a decline in up-to-date dental checks for young people, which may be linked to out-of-borough placements. The team is working with the NHS and other departments to address this, though obtaining dental appointments was noted as a challenge. The report also highlighted that 63% of looked-after children are in foster care, which compares favourably with statistical neighbours. A proposal to rename the Corporate Parenting Panel to the Corporate Parenting Board is to be forwarded to the Cabinet for approval. Mandatory training on Corporate Parenting for Members was also discussed, with a consensus for a blended approach of virtual and face-to-face sessions.

Missing Children in Care Update

The Children's Social Care Service Manager presented a report on missing children activity between July and September 2024. Since January, 19 children looked after by Harrow had been reported missing. Of the 85 young people aged 14-17 in Harrow, 7 had been reported missing on more than three occasions. The average ethnicity of those reported missing was White or White British, though young people of mixed backgrounds experienced more frequent episodes. The report detailed the notification process to police, parents, and other agencies, as well as the use of national alerts and police Twitter. Return Home Interviews are conducted within 72 hours of a child's return, including risk assessments to help social workers understand the reasons for going missing and to build rapport. Two positive case studies were shared, illustrating the support provided to young people who had experienced trauma and had long periods of absence.

Virtual School Update

The Headteacher of Harrow Virtual School reported that in the academic year 2023-2024, 83 children of statutory school age were on roll. School attendance is monitored daily, with anomalies communicated to relevant professionals. Harrow's missed sessions in 2022-23 were 12.5%, above the England average of 8.3%, and Persistent Absence was 28.3%, slightly above statistical neighbours. The number of children with suspensions had reduced to 8 in 2023-2024, and there have been no permanent exclusions in the last five years. Challenges were noted with young people with special educational needs due to transport arrangements, though interim transport is now in place. Exam results were described as impressive, with one Year 6 child achieving expected standards in all three subjects, and 47% of Year 11 students achieving at least one GCSE pass. Concerns were raised about children missing school due to ill health, and the Virtual School is working with the NHS and providing guidance to carers and agencies.