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The Panel considered the Child and Family Services Annual Wellbeing Report for 2025-26 and the Children's Reviewing Team Annual Report for 2025-26, and looked at its 2026-27 work plan. The minute records no decisions on the reports. The Panel asked for information on staffing levels, vacancies and agency staff.
No disclosures of interest were received.
No declarations were made.
Panel agreed the Minutes of the meeting on 28 July 2026 as an accurate record of the meeting.
Letter to Cabinet Member following the meeting on 28 July 2026 was noted.
No questions were received.
Cabinet Member and officers presented the Child & Family Services Annual Wellbeing / Performance Report, outlining service performance during 2025-26 together with current challenges and future priorities. The Panel discussed: • The continued increase in demand for Children's Services and the factors contributing to rising levels of need and complexity. • Current safeguarding concerns, including neglect, domestic abuse, parental mental health difficulties and substance misuse. • Progress in recruiting and retaining foster carers and work to increase local placement provision. • The use of unregulated placements and the actions being taken to increase suitable local accommodation for children and young people. • Recruitment and retention challenges across the workforce, including vacancy levels and the use of agency staff. • Progress with implementation of the Mosaic recording system. • Partnership working between Children's Services and schools to support safeguarding and early intervention. Members welcomed the positive outcomes highlighted in the report, including improvements in early help services, positive feedback from children and families and a reduction in the number of children looked after at year end. The Panel also recognised the continued commitment of staff in delivering services during a period of increasing demand and complexity. Actions: • Workforce information covering establishment numbers, vacancies and agency staffing levels across Children's Services to be provided to Panel Members.
Officers presented the Children's Reviewing Team Annual Report, outlining the work of Independent Reviewing Officers and Child Protection Conference Chairs and highlighting developments in participation, quality assurance and service improvement. The Panel discussed: • The reasons children become subject to child protection plans. • Arrangements to reduce repeat child protection registrations and provide ongoing support to families. • Work to increase children's participation in reviews and conferences. • How the impact of Independent Reviewing Officers is measured and evidenced. • Outcomes achieved for children and young people supported by the service. • Progress in improving transitions between Children's and Adult Services. • Educational outcomes for care-experienced children and young people. • Plans to strengthen outcome reporting in future reports. Members were particularly encouraged by the work being undertaken to ensure children and young people are heard and involved in decisions about their lives. The Panel recognised the effort required to maintain meaningful participation during a period of significant demand, expressed its appreciation for the work of the team and offered its support in helping to further develop this area of work.
Panel considered the work plan and noted items for the next meeting.
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