Family Feedback Report Nov 2024

GETTING OUR MESSAGE OUT

CHILD PARTICIPATION AND FAMILY INVOLVEMENT STRATEGY

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

Impact and Next steps

07.

Feedback from parents and carers

06.

Feedback from children and young people

05.

Young Experts' review

04.

Service area updates

03.

02.

You Said, We Did: Updates On Actions From the February 2024 Report

01.

Introduction

COntents

*All of the photos in this report were taken by two of the young experts aged 14 years and 15 years old.

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

This report reviews the five areas of service development identified in the Family Feedback Report February 2024: 1. To embed the use of the co-produced practice tools. ​ 2. To collaborate with Children and Young People to share feedback in creative ways. ​ 3. Further embed the role of the young experts in co-producing and evaluating our service developments. 4. To offer participation activities to 12 children with child in need plans in the next 6 months. ​5. Using the Roles and Responsibilities Index and children’s co-produced summaries to strengthen partnership collaboration.​

Introduction

A huge thank you to all the children, parents and carers who have taken the time to share their views with us. We hope that you can see how we listen to you and work to improve services. ​​Our young experts have continued to take their role very seriously, evaluating our progress, sharing their ideas for what we can do differently, and what they think is important for us to focus on. Thank you so much for all your hard work, thinking and sharing of your ideas. We look forward to making services even better with your help!

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

Our Young Experts said:Young expert aged 15: It’s really good that each team is using it, it’s good the social workers have said that it’s helpful too. They should definitely keep doing it. I like that one social worker from each team is doing it as well, but make sure this is being given to the young people who want it as some might not and that’s ok.​

Young expert aged 14: To be honest its really good I think its something they should keep doing and it seems to help both the young people and the social worker, Its important to know who’s helping you even if you don’t see them often and it's also important that the professionals feel confident in explaining too.

You Said: Embed The Use Of The Co-produced Practice Tools.

We Did: ​The practice tools were co produced with children to increase transparency and manage expectations, so that children are supported to understand who the professionals involved with supporting them and their family are, and what each professional does. ​ The Service Development Officer has attended team meetings and conducted five one-on-one sessions with social workers to tailor the roles and responsibilities index for individual children. ​ This index has been used by at least one Social Worker in each of the seven Intervention and Planning teams, as well as in each of the four Duty and Assessment teams. Practitioners have reported that the tool boosts their confidence in explaining professional responsibilities to children. ​ The CP animation remains a valuable practice tool, with Ofsted noting that ‘Conference chairs and social workers engage well with children to explain to them the purpose of the meeting. They have access to co-produced, creative media tools to engage children, which allows children to successfully attend and have their views included in meetings’. ​

Our Young Expert said:

Young expert (aged 15 yeas): A poster is a good idea for young people. Not too much writing, just key points. Having it on the Barnet website is good, it doesn’t need to be printed

Our Young Expert said:

Young Expert (aged 12 years): I like that we are able to share how we feel and we can say what we think in the report. The pictures are a good idea, to make the reports more fun and creative​

We Did:

We continue to collaborate with the Young Experts to gather feedback and think of ways to share it creatively. The Young Experts support the continuation of the six-monthly family feedback update reports, believing they are beneficial for professionals. They think that images created by young people would be good to include in the report. ​ The young experts suggested creating a one-page digital poster on the Barnet website to update young people on key messages from the family feedback reports.

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

You said: Collaborate With Children And Young People To Share Feedback In Creative Ways. ​

Young expert (aged 14 years): It’s good that the tools we helped create are now being used to help other young people. Makes me feel like we’re in charge

Our Young Expert said:

We have continued to encourage young people to become young experts. We have worked in partnership with young experts to evaluate how well we are meeting the priorities set out in this report. ​ Ofsted recognised how we work with young people to develop services, reporting: ‘Co-production is a strength and is embedded, with numerous opportunities for children to present and engage with leaders so that experiences of care and of wider services inform decision-making…Leaders have a very strong focus on engaging children and ensuring that their voices influence the way services are delivered. This is evident across all services and strongly evident in further developing the corporate parenting offer’

We did:

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

Our Young Expert said:

Young expert (aged 16 years): Its really good you still ask us what we think of what you are doing. Its important you keep asking us

You said: Further Embed The Role Of The Young Experts In Co-producing And Evaluating Our Service Developments.

We offered participation activities to 12 children with CIN plans over the past six months. Out of these, five children chose to join the Young Experts group, where they actively contributed to service development and participated in activities at BACE.

We did:

Young Experts said:

Young Expert (aged 11 years): I like that young people are asked if they want to be a young expert. Makes you feel like you matter. I don’t think we need support going to activities. I think it’s a nice idea but its like a bit too much.​ They can just make sure we know what activities there are ​ Young Expert (Aged 15 years) it’s good that we have access to BACE and I think that in general we get support from BACE so I think that’s enough support if you need it.

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

You said: Offer Participation Activities To 12 Children With Child In Need Plans In The Next 6 Months.

Young Expert (14) My school is really careful, whenever someone comes to speak with me at school they do it in a way to avoid the other students noticing they have supported me.​​ Young Expert (16) My school got better, I think there was a shift, they weren't bad but now they take extra care to make sure people don't know I have a Social Worker

Young Experts Said:

Young Expert (aged 10): Professionals used to always repeat the same questions before and it was annoying. It hardly happens now. I like that my Social Worker and me did the spider thing (Roles&Responsiblities Index) at the beginning and it made sense to me and other adults involved also have it. ​ Young Expert (Aged 12):I have noticed that I get asked the same question less often or if they do (ask) they explain why they are repeating the question so its ok. Yeah my Social worker used the professional map with me, it was definatley useful.

When the roles and responsibilities index has been completed, practitioners are asking young people if it can be shared with the professional network. Practitioners are reporting that they are explaining to professional networks that young people do not like retelling their stories to different professionals. This message is also being included in multi agency training sessions.

Young Experts Said:

We Did:

You said: Use The Roles And Responsibilities Index And Children’s Co-produced Summaries To Strengthen Partnership Collaboration.​

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

The bi-annual participation days for children in care and children supported by a child protection plan were held in the October half term holidays. All the children who attended chose to become one of our young experts. Conference review officers and Quality Assurance officers enjoyed a bowling activity with a family supported by a Child Protection Plan. These opportunities for children to build positive relationships with professionals continue to be valued, with the child saying “I prefer speaking to you (CRO and QAO) in this way, not you coming to my house and I like that I get to know the people who work with me” Children in Care and their Independent Reviewing Officers showed their bravery and sense of adventure when they took part in a Go Ape activity. 13 young people aged 8-16 years attended the day, which provided an opportunity for trusted relationships between children and their IROs to be developed outside of their review meetings. The young people who attended shared their views about the family feedback report, and also how best information about Child in Care reviews should be shared with children, and how best children's feedback following their reviews should be sought. We are really grateful for all the thinking and sharing of views on the day, and we will be continuing to work with the young experts to co-produce the information leaflets linked to QR codes that they requested.

Service Area Updates​: Participation days

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

Feedback from parents who had been through the Public Law Outline (PLO) Process was sought to consider the parent’s views about whether the letters and PLO process was clear to them, and what could be improved. Parents reported that they found that discussing the letters and PLO process with a social worker was really helpful, and the importance of continuing with this practice as shared with social workers across Intervention, Assessment and Planning. When Ofsted visited they noted that 'Social workers take time to discuss the contents of pre-proceedings letters, which are carefully crafted, and parents confirmed that this helps them to understand concerns workers have about their care of children'.

Service Area Updates​: Public Law Outline (PLO)

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

Football Match Against Barnet Council Staff – June 2024​

BOP organised a friendly football match between young people and Barnet Council staff. Following three training sessions with a professional coach, the BOP team won 10–0. Members of BOP said that the match was fun, and it was good to get to know Council staff.

BOP hosted its Annual Summer Celebration, attended by 71 young people in care, along with their families and carers. The event focused on the themes of Belonging and Inclusion, and young people enjoyed an awards ceremony where the Mayor of Barnet presented all young people with certificates of achievement. The event ensured inclusivity, with activities designed for neurodiverse and disabled children.

Annual Summer Celebration – July 2024​

Service Area Update: Barnet On Point (BOP)​

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

BOP have been very creative, producing a series of three films with six members of BOP about their experience of being in care. We are very proud that these films won second place at the Coram ‘A National Voice Awards’ in October 2024. Five young people in care travelled up to Manchester for the awards and enjoyed meeting other children in care from across the country. BOP have ideas for future films, including one video for those new to the UK. We can’t wait to see what they produce next!

Service Area Update: Barnet On Point (BOP) - the Coram A National Voice Awards.

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

Key Highlights:

Increased participation in BOP-led events over the past eight months.​ Enhanced collaboration between children in care and senior leaders.

Corporate Parenting Advisory Panel Presentation – February 2024

In February, BOP members led a session at the Corporate Parenting Advisory Panel (CPAP). They facilitated an icebreaker and delivered a presentation on the role of the Children in Care Council. BOP members shared their experiences and provided feedback on service improvements, particularly around therapy arrangements and communication practices, demonstrating their influence in shaping services.

Service Area Update: Barnet On Point (BOP)​

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

• The young commissioners programme continues, with Five young commissioners gaining valuable skills and making a real impact on service delivery.

• Completed their AQA accreditation​

• Participated in interview panels to select service providers.​
• Created questions for competitive tenders, ensuring youth perspectives are at the heart of decision-making.​

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

The young experts say:​ Young Expert (Aged 16) – That’s amazing, the fact thy all completed AQA accreditation and real work experience. I think a lot of young people panic about work experience nowadays. ​

Service Area Update: Young Commissioners Programme

From February 2023 to August 2024, 43 young people registered for the AQA Unit Award Scheme, earning 443 certificates for completing tasks, activities, and reparation hours, reinforcing positive engagement and rehabilitation.BMX Project – ‘On Track’ (30 May 2024 – 4 July 2024): Over 6 weeks, 11 young people took part in a BMX programme led by the Whyte Bros, learning racing mechanics while building resilience, teamwork, and self-confidence.

The Young Experts Say:​

Young Expert (Aged 16) – The fact were are making sure that young people are getting qualified in education even if they made a mistake is amazing. The BMX thing sounds really cool and to be honest its something I would like to do too, it’s a good skill to learn. ​Young Expert (Aged 15) – The paintballing sound fun, especially young people like us don’t get the opportunity to do it with our families or friends because its expensive. Even that fact that one member became a local youth mentor is just wow.

Paintball Day at Watford Centre (5 July 2024):​ 13 young people joined a day of paintball, designed to build trust and assess group dynamics ahead of the annual Residential Programme. The event encouraged sportsmanship and took young people outside their comfort zones to engage in positive activities.​ Residential Programme:​ Seven young people completed this highly successful programme, gaining life skills like cooking, teamwork, and problem-solving. One participant has become a local youth mentor after successfully finishing their Youth Justice Order.​ Celebration of Achievements:​ A final celebration day honoured the achievements of these young people, with Family Services staff and senior leaders attending to recognise their progress and dedication.

Service Area Updates: Youth Justice Team

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

• BICS has worked with young people and partner organizations to co-produce a Low Mood and Self-Esteem workshop. This workshop addresses common misconceptions about mental health and provides practical tools for managing emotional wellbeing.

• Through collaboration with Young People Thrive, BICS ensured that wellbeing content is culturally sensitive and age-appropriate. Updates to the “Talk About It” webpage include simplified content titles and visuals designed to engage younger audiences (ages 5-11 years).​

• BICS launched its first summer work experience programme, providing young people with hands-on professional experience. During Mental Health Week, a young person served as a judge for a poster competition led by the Mental Health Support Team.​

• BICS participated in the Children in Care summer celebration, running a stall and engaging young people through interactive activities.​

• Future Plans and Collaboration​: BICS is working with the Barnet Youth Parliament to align campaigns on mental health and wellbeing. Upcoming initiatives include expanding the peer mentoring scheme in primary schools and rolling out revised trauma-informed workshops.​

Service Area Updates: Barnet Integrated Clinical Services (BICS)

BACE Holidays Programme:

BACE Activities:

Weekly programmes have been expanded based on young people’s input, adding new workshops like mental health awareness and digital skills. The number of attendees has grown by 10% due to the broader range of activities on offer.

Service Area Updates: Early Help and BASE​

Feedback highlighted the need for more inclusive activities. As a result, new sessions tailored to children with disabilities were introduced during the summer holidays. Participation has increased by 15%, indicating a positive response to these additions.

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

Young Expert 13 Years Old​:The reports great!!!

Young Expert 14 Years Old​:To see how what we say is listened to is really good. Like you know so much of what we say changes things. This kind of makes me feel happy

Young Expert 14 Years Old:​ To see how what we say is listened to is really good. Like you know so much of what we say changes things. This kind of makes me feel happy

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

Young Expert 12 Years Old​: It's nice seeing all our feedback in one place where all our voices are being heard and how we’re being listened to. Thiers almost this whole community your part of without know, and seeing this report shows you that.

Young Expert 16 Years Old​: It’s interesting seeing how our voices change the way you work with us, I think sometimes we say stuff but don’t expect it to be taken so seriously, I guess when I see this it highlights how much does change because of what we say.

Young Expert's Review​

“when she comes to do the visits, she shows up and she does what she says she’s going to do, she don’t make empty promises, then you know you can rely on her to come through” I&P

Children and young people are telling us that practitioners are reliable and caring:

​ “she cares about me she’s not like other workers who just say so but you don’t believe them”​ I&P​

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

Feedback from children and Young People

“she always want to hear what I think” DATS

“She helped me to stay focused and not be distracted, I asked if I could keep her as my SW because she talks to me on a level.” DATS

'I loved my therapist, she supported me so much and I felt very comfortable with her. BICS'

"The great part about my care was that I felt safe to talk about whatever I was feeling without being judged. I really liked how comforting it felt. I want to say that the service I received was fantastic and for the first time in a long time I didn't feel I was a burden because of how I felt.” BICS

Children and young people continue to experience positive, trusted relationships with practitioners and they feel heard:

Feedback From Children and Young People

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

'A spoke about feeling embarrassed with the involvement of social care and personal information being shared with the school. A said at the beginning, she needed to understand why things were happening the way they were, although she understood why social care was concerned. She felt it was not helpful having 3 social workers and being called from different numbers. She had notes put through her door when social workers tried to call her, but they might not have the right number'- I&P

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

The importance of transparency, and children knowing what is going to happen next, and who knows what about them and why continues to be something that is important to young people. The importance of updating the roles and responsibilities index when professionals change is also highlighted in feedback:

Feedback from children and Young People

Take by a Young Expert

​ "M is absolutely wonderful; child S has been attending weekly stay and play sessions and I’m seeing her become more confident and learning to engage." Early help

"N, D and P have all been really helpful, I’ve been so lucky with the social workers I’ve had”. - Carer Assessment Team

"Your practice in relation to O has been absolutely fantastic. You have been extremely professional and gone above and beyond to obtain positive outcomes for O. Congratulations and well done!" - MASH

​"To have J involved is a breath of fresh air, she handles everything excellently. She has an excellent relationship with carer S and child D. She communicates openly and is a joy to work with.” – CIC

Parents and carers have told us that they have found practitioners to be helpful and professional:

Feedback From Parents And Carers

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

Feedback from parents and carers is that the support offered is enabling them to make positive changes to their parenting:

''This programme has helped me in more ways than I thought because as not only am I a better listener to my kids, I also feel like I've bonded a lot more. Am also able to cater for their emotional needs and without my usual self-guilt. I've been blessed by this Programme in helping to improve my mental health because I am normally always lonely, but I was given the space to express myself and feel I had a non-judgemental people around. Thank you ever so much for the wealth of knowledge I acquired here, which I'm very sure will be put to good use. Already made positive change with my kids and I know we'll keep benefitting from this Programme for many years to come. Massive thank you guys’’. EYPH

'Dad felt that the Social Worker had been amazing and he is very thank for the help. Dad felt that probation require that he attends weekly as a form of control and he does not learn anything from seeing probation. Dad however felt the Social Worker had spent time to teach him about how to treat women and children, about rules and regulations and he has learnt a lot and feels he has changed'. I&P

''This programme is life changing. Great tools and tips for my family. Useful and encouraging and inspiring to become a better mum’’. - EYPH

“I appreciate all the support the service helped me a lot when I was in hospital and my family it was really good.” REACH

Feedback From Parents And Carers​

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

Parents and carers have experienced practitioners to be kind, supportive, and that their help makes a positive difference to their families:

​"I just wanted to email you quickly to say thank you for all your hard work during your time supporting us. I know it was very stressful for you but you handled it well.​You made myself and the children feel heard, understood and supported and I can't really put into words how much we all needed that during what has been such a difficult period. I have no doubt that you were very much a key factor in things being much more settled now and am hopeful that the courts continue to help us with that. I appreciate the clarity that I now have about how to move forward and your honesty in what needs to improve, as well as what is working. It is a journey for us and I appreciate the part that you played while you joined us on it." I&P

The difficulties of working with multiple professionals remains a challenge for some parents: 'I sometimes found it hard to keep track of all the meetings with different people' and it is important that parents are supported to share these views with professionals who are arranging meetings with them.​

"Let me express my gratitude for your helpful support of A.​ Without saying, A received additional and very useful care from your side in the most required period of time.​ Thanks for your human and kind attitude for my son (it will be a real good life-example for him)" CIC

Feedback From Parents And Carers​

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

Feedback from children and their families highlights positive relationships with practitioners, and helpful support being provided. The young experts have been keen to see how we are responding to their feedback and ideas and are looking forward to doing so again in six months. This report highlights that progress has been made in relation to the priorities identified in the last report and listed below, and young people agree that the priorities remain important.

• Embed the use of the co produced practice tools ​: With the aim of each Social worker having used at least one of the practice tools with at least one young person ​

• To collaborate with children and young people to share feedback in creative ways​: With the aim of co producing a poster with young people to set out the key messages from the family feedback report ​

• Further embed the role of the young experts in co-producing and evaluating our service developments ​: With the aim of continuing to support young people to become young experts so their voice is heard in future family feedback reports ​

• To offer participation activities to 12 children with child in need plans in the next six months ​: With the aim of ensuring that children supported by different plans all have access to fun participation opportunities ​

• To strengthen partnership collaboration by sharing family feedback and practice tools with the multiagency network : With the aim of fewer children experiencing the need to share their stories with different professionals

Impact and Next Steps

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024

Barnet Family Feedback ReportNovember 2024