The meeting began with a brief summary of the chair's tenure and concerns about decreasing member attendance. The main discussions included the election of a vice-chair, child care sufficiency in Wiltshire, and the outcome of a rapid scrutiny on the emotional wellbeing and mental health strategy. Other topics included the council's forward work plan, safety valve updates, and various educational and safeguarding issues.

Child Care Sufficiency in Wiltshire

Lucianne Bryant provided an update on child care sufficiency. The government is funding the expansion of two-year-old places and wraparound care, with £885,000 in capital funding. This has led to the development of 102 new places across Wiltshire. Concerns were raised about staffing and the capacity of existing providers. Efforts are being made to stimulate interest in child care careers through job fairs and collaborations with job centres. The Canberra Children's Centre in Melksham is also being developed to increase child care places.

Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Strategy

The rapid scrutiny group, led by the chair, reviewed Wiltshire Council's emotional wellbeing and mental health strategy. The strategy addresses concerns but needs more focus on early help. The group recommended further scrutiny of the delivery plan and its implementation. Questions were raised about the number of children needing support and the effectiveness of current measures.

Forward Work Plan

The committee discussed the forward work plan for the next 12 months. Key topics include educational performance outcomes, inclusion, homelessness among 16-17-year-olds, and residential care. The committee emphasized the need for capacity to handle these topics and the importance of prioritizing urgent issues.

Safety Valve Updates

Ben Stevens provided an update on the safety valve project, which aims to address the high needs block deficit. The project is currently on track, but there are concerns about the delivery of additional special school places and preparation for adulthood. The committee stressed the importance of measuring impact and not just progress against objectives.

Educational and Safeguarding Issues

The committee reviewed various educational and safeguarding issues, including pupil absences, mental health in schools, and the effectiveness of safeguarding measures. Concerns were raised about the reasons for pupil absences and the support provided to schools for children with special educational needs.

Directors' Updates

Lucy Townsend and Catherine Davis provided updates on various initiatives, including the opening of new residential children's homes, the launch of a fostering recruitment hub, and the education of Afghan families in temporary accommodation. The committee also discussed the importance of communicating these positive developments to the public.

Executive Updates

Suzanne Wickham reported on the success of the dyslexia-friendly schools initiative, which is gaining national attention. She also mentioned efforts to organize cookery sessions for vulnerable children and their parents in the Westbury area.

Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for 18th July, with a focus on oral health and other ongoing initiatives.