Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Only a small minority of vulnerable children attended school in the early stages of the...
Conclusion
Only a small minority of vulnerable children attended school in the early stages of the pandemic, increasing the risk of hidden harm. The Department acknowledges that the pandemic presented real safeguarding challenges. It kept schools open for vulnerable children—for example, those with a social worker or an education, health and care (EHC) plan, or those deemed ‘otherwise vulnerable’—because continued attendance was seen as an important way of safeguarding and supporting them. However, the proportion of vulnerable children who attended school or college remained below 11% from 23 March to late May 2020, and only reached a weekly average of 26% by the end of the summer term. The written evidence we received highlighted concerns about the potential impact of so few vulnerable children attending school. Referrals to children’s social care services for the weeks surveyed between 27 April and 16 August 2020 were around 15% lower than the average for the same period over the previous three years. The Department says that referral levels are still down by around 10% year-on-year, and that there are concerns about ongoing hidden harm to children. Recommendation: The Department should work with the Association of Directors of Children’s Services to understand why the number of referrals to children’s social care services remains below expected levels, and take action in light of the findings to make sure children are being effectively safeguarded.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
2.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: January 2022 2.2 The department continues to work with the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) and local authorities (LAs) to collect, interpret and report data on referrals to children’s social care during the pandemic. 2.3 The latest data in the Vulnerable children and young people survey suggest that overall referrals since the pandemic began remains around 10% below expected levels. The survey includes data on sources of referrals to enable tracking of referrals from partners (such as schools or police) against expected numbers. In addition, the survey includes qualitative insights into how some LAs are working differently with local partners to safeguard vulnerable children in their local area during this time. 2.4 While the department continues to interrogate the data on referrals it is already supporting LAs to ensure children are effectively safeguarded. 2.5 The Children’s Social Care recovery fund will provide up to £24 million for nine regional plans to fund proven solutions to challenges local authorities face in delivering effective children’s social care services following COVID-19. 2.6 Additionally, the department intervenes in all local authorities that are rated inadequate for children’s social care services and supports improvement in those where performance is declining.