The Director of Children’s Services introduced the report which provided the latest performance information for Children’s Services. The Director drew attention to a recently published OFSTED report which consisted of a detailed review of Children Looked After and response to permanence which had previously been a weak area, the visit recognised improvement in this area and positive changes made. The Director informed Members of feedback received from The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) who had recognised that improvements in safeguarding and community partnerships and approach had brought the service forward.

A discussion ensued citing an article in the press which showed large numbers of social workers in Wirral quitting and members sought clarification. The Assistant Director of Children and Families was keen to give accurate data to the Committee and reported that the data printed was from September 2021 and was national data, not just Wirral, and so gave some comparisons with the North West and England. It was outlined by the Director of Childrens Services that Wirral social workers had the lowest caseloads in the region and so could develop good practice.

Following a query regarding the 40% increase in the child protection rate from 2019-2020, the Director explained that this was a volatile data set and comparison with Wirral’s statistical neighbours was the best comparison. It was outlined that during the pandemic, children remained on plans longer than usual as some services were not up and running. An analysis of child protection plans was to be undertaken and the findings brought to Committee.

It was highlighted that a Member had met some foster carers who had had seven social workers over the course of one year. The Director acknowledged there had been instability in teams with agency workers and that this was not acceptable and suggested a report and update on the fostering team could be shared with Members.

Resolved – That the content of the performance report attached in Appendix A be noted.