Published on:
23
August 2012
Councillors have been given a full update on the progress following an independent review of Clackmannanshire Council's Long Term Childcare Team, which was completed in late April.
The review was commissioned by Chief Executive Elaine McPherson after concerns were raised by a sheriff in June 2011. A comprehensive draft action plan was put before a Special meeting of the Council in June 2012.
Housing, Health and Care Committee Convenor, Councillor Les Sharp, said: "Social Services will strive to address the areas for recommendation and work is already well underway."
The first of what will be regular progress reports by Head of Social Services, Deirdre Cilliers, was tabled before the Housing, Health and Care Committee.
Councillor Sharp added: "The greatest challenge for the service is the operational teams achieving real change. A successful outcome will involve a change in performance. Considerable effort has been invested to support this over recent months.
"Areas of greatest risk and priority were identified and 'quick wins' were achieved where possible. There has been a notable investment in staffing. The additional staffing, although not fully in place yet, will give the service the capacity it has needed for some time to respond to the high level of demand in the Child Care Service."
Front line staff have had additional communication and information sessions and regular development events to support key area of practice.
A number of major changes have been implemented since the Review in April, particularly Child Protection, ensuring support for staff and that they are appropriately trained.
All childcare services in Clackmannanshire will undertake the Public Service Improvement Framework assessment this autumn.
In addition the Council are fully focussed on the need to work closely with external scrutiny bodies and key partners to support improvement and provide reassurances both internally and to the Council.
The Council's assistant Heads of Service will hold regular meetings with solicitors who have ongoing concerns with the Long Term team. Meetings will also be held to build an effective working relationship with Children's Panel Members.
Councillor Sharp added: "The service faces a considerable challenge in achieving real and sustainable change but it committed to working in partnership with stakeholders to achieve the improvements required."
The Council's new Resource and Audit Committee, set up under the new administration of, will also provide both monitoring, and a scrutiny role, to give extra assurances that this should never happen again.
The Care Inspectorate are also helping by monitoring the Improvement Plan and providing support.