The Assistant Director for Children and Families introduced the report of the  Director of Children, Families and Education advising that since March 2010 there had been a requirement that the Independent Reviewing Officer (IRO) service within each local authority produce an Annual Report of activity regarding Children Looked After (CLA).

It was explained how the purpose of the IRO Annual Report, attached as appendix 1 to the report was to evaluate the extent to which Wirral Council had fulfilled its responsibilities to its Children Looked After for the period 1 April 2021 – 31 March 2022.

The report focused upon the role of the safeguarding unit, key performance data, quality assurance, the impact of Covid 19, the local authority designated Officer (LADO) and escalations. The report also focused on key priorities for 2022 - 23.

Officers responded to a number of questions in relation to LADO enquiries and the thresholds for investigation and challenges in relation to timeframes of children looked after review meetings being completed. it was suggested that a workshop may be helpful for Members to gain insight into how the threshold is met in order to pursue an investigation.

Further clarity was sought upon methods of communication with children looked after and Members were advised that there was currently a combination of meetings virtually or in person.

Resolved – That the report be agreed and noted.