Issue - meetings

To receive and consider a report containing details of the service’s response to Covid-19.

Adam Davis presented the Review of Covid-19 Response report which was set out in agenda pages 17-24.

Some of the points made during the presentation are listed below:

·           During the pandemic Children’s Services continued to report to a range of forums and bodies, including the Department of Education (DfE), Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership and Corporate Parenting Board (CPB);

·           One of the challenges in relation to social care had been to reach a balance between keeping the children protected and ensuring the safety and welfare of staff;

·           The majority of child protection visits continued to be face to face (95%);

·           There had been a reduction in the number of contacts received at the Front Door and also a reduction in the number of contacts that progressed on for a social care assessment.  However, in the last two weeks there had been an increase in the number of contact referrals;

·           Engagement with Looked After Children (LAC) and Care Leavers continued during the pandemic, with particular attention to Care Leavers during the Christmas period;

·           Engagement with Foster Carers continued and only one placement with a Foster Carer had to end because of Covid;

·           Ongoing communication and contact with schools was maintained throughout the pandemic, with weekly meetings and discussions with headteachers and senior school leaders about the management of schools and delivery of education in a pandemic context;

·           Schools were supported in relation to access to ICT and equipment to assist remote learning;

·           Schools were being supported to develop the Wellbeing for Education Return programme designed by the DfE;

·           Schools were supported in the development of the asymptomatic lateral testing;

·           Schools had continued access to the help provided by the School Improvement Team;

·           Support and guidance was given to schools in relation to the delivery of Free school meals;

·           Home to school transport continued to be provided to those eligible;

·           The mental health and wellbeing of children and young people was supported and included the provision of Kooth (an online counselling and emotional well-being support service provided for young people aged 11-18) and other material more appropriate for younger children;

·           There had been an amazing level of commitment and flexibility from the staff.  It was now important to mitigate the impact of working remotely, particularly for social workers.

During the discussion of the item the following comments were made:

·           In response to a question Adam Davis stated that one of the challenges had been relation to recruitment of staff to cover potential gaps as a result of Covid;

·           In response to a question Sal Thirlway stated that on reflection, taking stock at the beginning of the pandemic would have been beneficial, as the speed of changes from the central government was considerable;

·           Councillor Blumenthal asked about the uptake of Kooth and any feedback.  Adam Davis stated that this had been successful and it was agreed that any data would be shared with Members;

·           Councillor Clarke provided an update on the usage of Kooth:

·         during the period  1 July 2020 to 31st December  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60