Hampshire County Council
Councillors:
78
Wards:
76
Committees:
49
Meetings (2026):
57
Meetings (2025):
155
Meeting
Corporate Parenting Board - Hampshire
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Wednesday, 25th February 2026
10:00 AM
Wednesday, 25th February 2026
10:00 AM
End:
Wednesday, 25th February 2026
2:00 PM
Wednesday, 25th February 2026
2:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
25 Feb 2026
25 Feb 2026
Location:
Ashburton Hall, EII Court, Winchester
Ashburton Hall, EII Court, Winchester
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Katy Hutchings
Care Experienced Adults Council Representative
Absent
Committee Member
Orlanda Cooper
Hampshire's Foster Carers
Present, as expected
Liberal Democrats Deputy
Committee Member
Jodie Beckham
Care Experienced Adults Council Representative
Present, as expected
Conservative Deputy
Conservative Group - Vacancy
Not required
Agenda
1
Apologies for Absence
To receive any apologies for absence.
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillors Henderson and Irish.
2
Declarations of Interest
All Members who believe they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting must declare that interest and, having regard to Part 3 Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members’ Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore all Members with a Personal Interest in a matter being considered at the meeting should consider, having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 4 of the Code, whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, consider whether it is appropriate to leave the meeting while the matter is discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.
Minutes
Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in any matter considered at the meeting they must declare that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in Part 3, Paragraph 1.5 of the County Council's Members' Code of Conduct, leave the meeting while the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with Paragraph 1.6 of the Code. Furthermore Members were mindful that where they believed they had a Personal interest in a matter being considered at the meeting they considered whether such interest should be declared, and having regard to Part 5, Paragraph 5 of the Code, considered whether it was appropriate to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with the Code.
No declarations were made.
No declarations were made.
3
Minutes of Previous Meeting
To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.
Attachments:
- Document Printed minutes 10122025 1000 Corporate Parenting Board 17 Feb 2026
Minutes
The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a correct record.
4
Deputations
To receive any deputations notified under Standing Order 12.
Minutes
No deputations were received.
5
Chairman's Announcements
To receive any announcements the Chairman may wish to make.
Minutes
The Chairman noted her reflections on a recent visit to the Basingstoke Hive. Members heard that the visit provided valuable insight into the support available to foster carers and the Chairman expressed appreciation for the opportunity to speak with carers and meet children. The Chairman encouraged Members to visit their local Hives, emphasising the benefits of understanding carers’ and children’s lived experiences.
The Chairman updated Members on an important strategic decision: the responsibility for Hampshire Care Councils would transition fully back to Hampshire County Council from 1 April 2026, bringing to an end the formal contract with Motiv8. The Chairman thanked Motiv8 for their substantial contribution since 2022 in strengthening youth voice, supporting participation initiatives and helping embed care?experienced young people into corporate parenting functions.
The Board was advised that this decision arose from a desire to embed participation within the County Council’s wider engagement framework. Assurances were given that mentoring support would continue, that the transition would be carefully managed alongside Motiv8 and that young people would be directly involved in the recruitment of the new in?house role designed to lead the Care Councils.
The Chairman updated Members on an important strategic decision: the responsibility for Hampshire Care Councils would transition fully back to Hampshire County Council from 1 April 2026, bringing to an end the formal contract with Motiv8. The Chairman thanked Motiv8 for their substantial contribution since 2022 in strengthening youth voice, supporting participation initiatives and helping embed care?experienced young people into corporate parenting functions.
The Board was advised that this decision arose from a desire to embed participation within the County Council’s wider engagement framework. Assurances were given that mentoring support would continue, that the transition would be carefully managed alongside Motiv8 and that young people would be directly involved in the recruitment of the new in?house role designed to lead the Care Councils.
6
Board Members Feedback - Engagement and Recent Activities
To receive a verbal update from Corporate Parenting Board members on their recent engagement activities.
Minutes
Councillor Carpenter reported on a visit to the MASH in Fareham and noted the volume of contacts received and the significant work conducted by officers supporting the processes at the Hub.
7
Corporate Parenting Board Action Log
To receive an update on the Corporate Parenting Board’s Action Log.
Attachments:
- Document CPB Action Log - 2026 17 Feb 2026
Minutes
The Corporate Parenting Board reviewed their updated Action Log.
RESOLVED:
That the Corporate Parenting Board noted the updated Action Log.
RESOLVED:
That the Corporate Parenting Board noted the updated Action Log.
8
Children in care / Care Experienced Adults Council update
To receive an update report regarding Hampshire’s Care Councils.
Attachments:
- Document Corporate Parenting Board Report February 2026 17 Feb 2026
Minutes
The Board received an update on recent activity across the Care Councils. Members heard that attendance at events remained strong, with sixteen children participating in half?term activities, including a visit to the Winchester Science Planetarium. Motiv8 had also delivered seven professional engagement meetings, organised two countywide events and produced the latest edition of the Care Council newsletter.
Engagement challenges for underrepresented groups—such as children with disabilities, non?verbal children and separated children—were also raised. Officers acknowledged the need for broader outreach and exploring more flexible, informal engagement models rather than traditional council meeting structures.
RESOLVED:
That the Corporate Parenting Board note the report and record their thanks to Motiv8 for its contributions.
Engagement challenges for underrepresented groups—such as children with disabilities, non?verbal children and separated children—were also raised. Officers acknowledged the need for broader outreach and exploring more flexible, informal engagement models rather than traditional council meeting structures.
RESOLVED:
That the Corporate Parenting Board note the report and record their thanks to Motiv8 for its contributions.
9
Health annual report
To receive the annual update report from NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight regarding health services for children looked after in Hampshire.
Attachments:
- Document Health Annual Report to Hampshire Corporate Board 26.2.2026 (002) (003) 17 Feb 2026
- Document Item 9 - NHS presentation 17 Feb 2026
Minutes
The Board received the annual health update from NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight which highlighted significant improvements in the timeliness of initial health assessments following recent contractual changes. Members were informed that waiting lists had reduced by 90%, although some assessments still experienced delays due to placement moves or capacity issues.
It was noted that immunisation rates remained a challenge, with MMR uptake at 81–83%, below the national herd?immunity target of 95%. Catch?up vaccination work was ongoing, particularly for older children requiring multisession immunisation schedules. Tuberculosis (TB) screening rates had improved, and Members noted that approximately 25% of separated children presented with latent TB, requiring coordinated public health response.
The Board was informed of forthcoming structural changes within the NHS. Officers confirmed that statutory responsibilities for children in care would remain unchanged and that new service level agreements were being developed.
RESOLVED:
That the Corporate Parenting Board note the report and request a further update in six months’ time.
It was noted that immunisation rates remained a challenge, with MMR uptake at 81–83%, below the national herd?immunity target of 95%. Catch?up vaccination work was ongoing, particularly for older children requiring multisession immunisation schedules. Tuberculosis (TB) screening rates had improved, and Members noted that approximately 25% of separated children presented with latent TB, requiring coordinated public health response.
The Board was informed of forthcoming structural changes within the NHS. Officers confirmed that statutory responsibilities for children in care would remain unchanged and that new service level agreements were being developed.
RESOLVED:
That the Corporate Parenting Board note the report and request a further update in six months’ time.
10
Hampshire Virtual School Headteacher Annual Report 2024-25
To provide an overview of the Virtual School’s work and focus during the academic year 2024-2025.
Attachments:
- Document Hampshire Virtual School Head Report 2024-2025 17 Feb 2026
- Document Item 10 - Virtual School presentation 17 Feb 2026
Minutes
The Board received the Virtual School annual report which highlighted both strengths and ongoing challenges within the education of children looked after. Members noted improvements in early years communication and reading outcomes, strong phonics performance and targeted interventions for pupils with SEND. Members requested further information on the Government’s SEND reforms White Paper and it was agreed to add an agenda item to the next Board meeting.
The Board discussed national data on children in care moving placements during exam periods and requested further analysis, recognising the impact this has on attainment and emotional wellbeing. Members also praised the roll?out of relational practice frameworks, trauma?informed training and strengthened use of electronic PEPs.
RESOLVED:
That the Corporate Parenting Board:
i. Notes the Virtual School’s priorities are agreed to secure further improvements
to the educational outcomes of Hampshire’s children in care.
ii. Requests further detail on placement moves during examination periods.
iii. Requests a future agenda item on the SEND reforms White Paper.
The Board discussed national data on children in care moving placements during exam periods and requested further analysis, recognising the impact this has on attainment and emotional wellbeing. Members also praised the roll?out of relational practice frameworks, trauma?informed training and strengthened use of electronic PEPs.
RESOLVED:
That the Corporate Parenting Board:
i. Notes the Virtual School’s priorities are agreed to secure further improvements
to the educational outcomes of Hampshire’s children in care.
ii. Requests further detail on placement moves during examination periods.
iii. Requests a future agenda item on the SEND reforms White Paper.
11
Independent Reviewing Service Annual Report
To review the annual activity of the Independent Reviewing Service and how the service is fulfilling its statutory responsibilities for children looked after in Hampshire.
Attachments:
- Document IRS annual report for CPB 17 Feb 2026
- Document Item 11 - IRS presentation 17 Feb 2026
Minutes
The Board received the annual report of the Independent Reviewing Service (IRS), noting sustained improvements in timeliness, quality and consistency of reviews since 2023.
Officers reported that IRS officers benefit from clearer caseload expectations, improved quality?assurance frameworks and strengthened collaboration with social work teams. Members heard that feedback from children, carers and families reflected a marked improvement in the accessibility and usefulness of review meetings. Members also noted that strong corporate and managerial oversight had contributed to improved care?planning outcomes and better evidence of children’s voices within review documentation.
RESOLVED:
That the Corporate Parenting Board note the positive progress and performance in how the IRS are fulfilling their duties in respect to looked after children in Hampshire.
Officers reported that IRS officers benefit from clearer caseload expectations, improved quality?assurance frameworks and strengthened collaboration with social work teams. Members heard that feedback from children, carers and families reflected a marked improvement in the accessibility and usefulness of review meetings. Members also noted that strong corporate and managerial oversight had contributed to improved care?planning outcomes and better evidence of children’s voices within review documentation.
RESOLVED:
That the Corporate Parenting Board note the positive progress and performance in how the IRS are fulfilling their duties in respect to looked after children in Hampshire.
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