Measures of success

Coventry is committed to improving outcomes for looked after children across the city and young people who have left our care to transition to adulthood. There are several measures that will be considered to evaluate how we are doing:

  • Young people will say they are loved and supported in their ‘homes’. This will be reflected in casework records and what our children and young people tell us
  • The bi-annual survey will demonstrate that children and young people are happy with the services that they are offered
  • Children and young people will move less often. This will be reflected in the short and long-term stability performance measures.
  • Coventry will have good performance against statistical neighbours, West Midlands and England averages
  • Individual audits of children’s records will show improved outcomes for children through being in care
  • Foster carers will feel better supported to continue to care for children even through difficult times
  • Children will only live in a children’s home if they have an assessed need to do so.
  • Children’s Services aspires for all children to live in good or better children’s homes, as judged by Ofsted. However, this will always be balanced against a child’s needs, wishes and a requirement only to move children when necessary
  • Young people will be supported through ‘Staying Put’ and ‘Staying Close’.
  • Young people will be prepared for independence and move on appropriately
  • Less children will have to move on an immediate basis
  • Children’s outcomes at school and in education will improve
  • Children and young people will have improved health outcomes
  • Care experienced young people will have at least 2 ongoing relationships with supportive and trusted adults

The majority (86%) of children in care (8 18 years) felt that their lives were improving.