Agenda item

Purpose of report: To engage, inform and seek endorsement from the Social Care Services Board on the Children, Schools and Families Commissioning Plan 2017-22.

Witnesses:

Garath Symonds, Assistant Director for Commissioning and Prevention

Linda Kemeny, Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Educational Achievement

Mary Lewis, Cabinet Associate for Children, Schools and Families
Clare Curran, Cabinet Member for Children and Families Wellbeing

Declarations of interests:

None

Key points of discussion:

1. Officers offered Members an outline of the Children, Schools and Families (CSF) Commissioning Plan. It was highlighted that income for the service had been reduced and that overall unit costs were increasing for resources. The service, in response to these challenges was developing a Commissioning Plan to respond to these pressures and more efficiently target resources to fit need. It was stressed by officers that this plan was in draft form as of March 2017.
   
   
2. Members questioned the sustainability of the CSF Commissioning Plan and whether the planned savings were enough to maintain the service. Officers stressed that the financial situation was a complex one, but officers and the Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Educational Achievement assured Members that savings were being made within the service and that significant savings prospects had been identified, but that the service was working to identify further opportunities.
   
   
3. It was noted after questioning by the Board that the service was working to present savings data more coherently in future to ensure transparency.
   
   
4. Officers highlighted that market management was a key aspect of the CSF Commissioning Plan and that the service was looking closely at working in partnership with providers to reduce costs. Members highlighted concerns regarding possible loss of quality of service, however officers stressed that the service was looking into working closely with providers to provide a quality service at a reasonable cost. It was explained that some providers had expressed the wish to work more closely in this way to help deliver key services.
   
   
5. It was highlighted by officers that a workstream was underway with regard to demand management, particularly highlighting the Early Help “cusp of care” programme as an example of work undertaken in this area.
   
   
6. Members queried the potential danger of poorer outcomes for children as a result of the redistribution of resources. It was stressed by Members that the service needed to consider the outcomes for children as a primary concern. Officers highlighted that this was a key aspect of the CSF Commissioning Plan. It was also noted that the service had a key role in a child’s wellbeing, in conjunction with parents and communities.
   
   
7. It was noted that the service was developing a “Family Hub” model, recommended by the Children’s Commissioner for England, of integration of services for children and families. It was highlighted that this scheme would work to reduce costs, through a net reduction in assets, but provide better outcomes for children through an improved and integrated service.
   
   
8. The Cabinet Member for Children and Families Wellbeing noted that the service could use the opportunity presented by the CSF Commissioning Plan to look into developing stronger ties with the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector and provide a more integrated an effective service.
   
   

Recommendations:

The Board welcomes the report and additional information provided in reference to the Commissioning Plan. It recommends:

1. That officers draw up an appropriate plan for engagement on each aspect of the commissioning plan, and related changes to services, for the relevant scrutiny board in the new council.