Agenda item - Strategic Risk MAP Focus: SR17 School Places Planning; and SR15 Keeping Children safe from harm and abuse

Report of the Interim Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached)

86.1    The Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources. The report was presented by the Executive Director of Children’s Services and the Council’s Risk Management Lead Performance.

86.2    The Committee first considered SR15 Keeping Children Safe from Harm and Abuse.

86.3    Councillor Wealls asked who decided on the rating of the ‘Effectiveness of Controls’, and was advised it was the Executive Director for Children’s Services following consultation with local SENCO Board.

86.4    Councillor Littman asked how the effectiveness was measured. The Executive Director of Children’s Services said that various indicators were used, such as looking at the number of young people referred to the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) or assessing feedback from those who used the services etc.

86.5    Councillor A Norman asked what work was done to support young offenders. The Executive Director of Children’s Services said that there was a Youth Offending Service (YOS) which was a multi-agency team which worked with young people from the ages of 10 – 17. The number of young people using the service had reduced by more than half over the last two years.

86.6  The Committee then considered SR17 School Places Planning.

86.7    The Chair noted that there were spare places at primary schools in Portslade and there was concern that if the admission numbers did not increase it would impact on the viability of schools. The Executive Director for Children’s Services said that the Council were aware of that, but there was movement across the city and it was important to ensure there would be sufficient school places when needed. However, the number of places available would be reviewed and where necessary class sizes reduced.

86.8  RESOLVED: That the Committee considered and noted the report.