Education Select Committee - Meetings, agendas and minutes

The Social Work staff emphasised the advantages of electronic recordkeeping with collaborative access to files leading to better sharing ofinformation and best practice. All files were archived electronically whichallowed for instant retrieval of historical records when required.Ofsted had concluded in May 2011 that Hammersmith and Fulham’sFrameworki system was one of the best and most comprehensiveimplementations of a childrens social care system. Further developmentswere, however, planned with a major system upgrade due to go live in 2013.It was hoped that the system would eventually mirror external reportingrequirements so that duplication could be further reduced by the importationof partner organisation templates such as court reports. It was also importantto ensure that the appropriate level of access was provided to partners withinformation being shared where required at the same time as themaintenance of adequate controls. The Council was sharing best practice onthe development and management of the system, both locally with the othertri borough authorities and nationally through user group forums.Finally, Members noted details of a pilot scheme in which all the tri boroughpartners were participating which was designed to test various freedoms andflexibilities within the ICS framework. This included the conflation ofassessment timescales and the piloting of a single assessment framework.The Committee was advised that the quality of the workforce would still be amore important factor in the quality of assessment and that on-going support,training and the active management of risk was vital to give confidence tofrontline social workers.45. BOROUGH YOUTH FORUM PROJECT PLAN - PRIORITIES FOR LOCALYOUNG PEOPLEThe Committee agreed to defer this item to the next meeting in order toenable the Children and Young People’s Involvement Officer to attend andpresent the report in person.46. PROGRESS REPORT ON THE CHILDREN'S ORAL HEALTH TASKGROUP RECOMMENDATIONSThe Committee received a report on progress with the implementation of therecommendations of the Childrens Oral Health Scrutiny Task Group approvedby Cabinet in October 2011. A multi agency group comprising representativesfrom the Council, the Dental Public Health team of the Inner North WestLondon PCT, Central London Community Healthcare and childrens centreshad been established to review developments, share information and adviseon implementation.Members noted that a pilot oral health programme focused on the White Cityarea was due to be launched in March. This would include a fluoride varnishscheme at five schools and a Childrens Centre, the use of local communitychampions trained in oral health messages and information resources forrelevant professionals. An evaluation report would be available by Augustand, subject to availability of funding, it was hoped that the work of the pilot_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Minutes are subject to confirmation at the next meeting as a correct record of the proceedings and any amendments arising willbe recorded in the minutes of that subsequent meeting.