A report from the Director of Children, Families and Education was presented by the Assistant Director of Children, Families and Education, providing Members with an overview of the proposed Corporate Parenting Work Programme for 2022-23. The work programme was focused on the priorities of the Children Looked After and Care Leavers Strategy 2022-25, which were: emotional and physical health and wellbeing, independence and transition to adulthood, positive Lived Experiences, and education and employment. Members were informed that the work programme, which was to be delivered by the Corporate Parenting Board, would explore in detail these priorities with officers expected to report on progress and work undertaken to promote and support improvements in these areas. It was noted that the work programme also included consideration of performance data, feedback, and consultations from children looked after and care leavers and the annual report of the Head of the Virtual School.

Members queried how the voice of children would be collated and presented in meetings. Officers clarified that the work of the Children in Care and Care Leavers Councils, ensuring children and young people were well represented, was crucial in collecting views and insights. Members were informed that work was being undertaken to extend the reach of the Care Councils.

On a motion by Councillor Powell-Wilde, seconded by Councillor Wright, it was:

Resolved – That

1. The work programme for 2022-2023 be endorsed; and

2. The delivery of the work programme be undertaken by the Corporate Parenting Board, meeting three times between November 2022 and March 2023.