Agenda and draft minutes

The Evacuation procedure was noted.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 11 April 2025 and 13 June 2025

The minutes of the meetings held on 11 April 2025, and 13 June 2025 were approved as a correct record.

The Board considered the Virtual School Interim Report, which provided an update on educational outcomes and activity for children in care and care experienced young people. The report highlighted current performance across attendance, attainment and exclusions, together with ongoing work to support post-16 education, employment and training.

Key points

·       Continued focus on improving attendance and reducing exclusions for children in care.

·       Ongoing challenges in educational outcomes for some cohorts, reflecting increasing complexity of need.

·       Close working between the Virtual School, social care and education providers to support stability and achievement.

RESOLVED that the Virtual School Interim Report be noted.

RESOLVED that the item be deferred

The Board received an update on feedback from the Department for Education National Implementation Adviser for Care Leavers following a recent visit to the Care Experienced Service.

Key points drawn from the update:

·       The Adviser recognised strong leadership, ambition and commitment to improving outcomes for care leavers.

·       Significant progress had been made since the previous visit, including strengthened partnership working, development of the local offer, and improved opportunities for education, employment and training.

Areas highlighted for further development included caseload pressures, housing capacity and transition arrangements into adult services.

RESOLVED that the update be noted.

An update on lifelong learning activity for care experienced young people was provided to the Board.

RESOLVED that the update be noted.

Members discussed and agreed the Forward Plan.