People Cabinet Member – Minutes – 7 February 2013
50 (50) Short Breaks for Disabled Children Information Statement 2013 – The Director of People submitted a report which sought approval to publish an updated Short Breaks for Disabled Children Information Statement for January 2013 as required by regulation.
The proposed Short Breaks for Disabled Children Information Statement 2013 reaffirmed the existing commitment that all children in North Lincolnshire with a disability had access to a Short Break.
North Lincolnshire Council’s original Short Breaks’ Statement was published in October 2011. The ‘Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011’ came into force on the 1 April 2012 and these regulations placed new statutory duties upon all local authorities (LAs). It was explained that the revised statement took account of the views of service users.
The ‘statement’ was detailed and was to inform carers in the area of the range of short break services available and outlined how these services could be accessed including how any eligibility for the services would be assessed.
The North Lincolnshire Council Short Breaks for Disabled Children – Information Statement 2013 was appended to the report.
Resolved – That the refreshed Short Breaks for Disabled Children Information Statement 2013, in line with regulations, be published.
51 (51) OFSTED INSPECTION OF NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE SHORT BREAK CHILDREN’S HOME – The Director of People submitted a report to inform the Cabinet Member of the outcomes of the recent Ofsted inspections of the North Lincolnshire Short Break Children’s Home on 11 and 12 October 2012.
It was explained that all Children’s Homes were subject to annual inspections carried out by an Ofsted Inspector. In April 2011, Ofsted revised their Children’s Home Inspection processes and a new inspection framework was implemented. The revisions were intended to make inspections more focused on outcomes for children.
The home was registered to provide a short break service for up to six children, male or female between the ages of 5 and 17-years-old, who had a learning disability and also have had a physical disability.
The home was judged to be ‘Outstanding’ overall.
Resolved – That the outcome of the latest inspection of the Short Break Children’s Home be noted.
52 (52) POPLAR DRIVE CHILDREN’S HOME SURPLUS TO REQUIREMENTS – The Director of People submitted a report to declare the children’s home at Poplar Drive, Brigg surplus to the requirements of People Directorate.
The key points outlined within the report were that no children resided at the home, the closure supported the implementation of the reshaping of the Children’s Home provision and Ofsted had approved the closure of the home.
Resolved – That the children’s home at Poplar Drive, Brigg be declared as surplus to requirements of the service with immediate effect.