Childrens services
How digital disruption can deliver better futures
Disrupting youth crime and exploitation through technology provides a chance to find and support the vulnerable and achieve radical change, say Dr Carol Homden, Amanda Kelly and Tim Aldridge.
Catching up with lost learning
There is no national strategy to help children recover lost learning and promote emotional health and wellbeing, writes Charlotte Ramsden from the Association of Directors of Children’s Services.
Capturing the Beveridge spirit
Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, has big plans to tackle the deep-rooted problems holding back our children – and she wants to work with local authorities to make them happen.
Supporting UASC: Relationships really matter
In Norfolk, building a large dedicated team has been crucial in supporting and managing a substantial cohort of unaccompanied asylum seeing children, says Kate Dexter.
Probing the case for change
The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care must name the causes of today’s child welfare inequalities if it is to hit the mark or it will risk repeating history rather than changing it, argues Kathy Evans.
Children's minister praises 'moral leadership' of Norfolk CC on asylum seeking children
Children’s minister Vicky Ford has praised the ‘moral leadership’ of Norfolk CC in taking on significant numbers of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC).
Care review must be part of a long-term plan for children - ADCS
The independent review of children's social care ‘must go further and be part of a coherent and strategic long-term plan for children,’ according to the president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS).
Slough’s services put children first
In April, Slough’s independent children’s services trust became wholly owned by the council. Josie Wragg and Tony Hunter talk to Ann McGauran about their rapport and shared vision despite the local authority’s hugely challenging financial position.
Ofsted - Newham's quality of social work practice is improving
The quality of social work practice in Newham is improving, but the pace of change has been affected by the pandemic, according to Ofsted inspectors.
We must stop the Treasury tail wagging the Government dog
Graeme McDonald senses 'much of Whitehall has a greater understanding of our challenges than for many years, but is handcuffed by the inflexible, rigid approach imposed by a shortsighted Exchequer'.
Somerset CC to open up to 10 new children's homes
Somerset CC is to open up to 10 new children’s homes by 2026, admitting it is too reliant on larger for-profit providers in children’s social care.
Tackling the social care talent deficit
The development of the future leaders within councils, be that in children’s services or elsewhere, must start now, says Philip Emms.
Keeping children in sight
Last week allegations of ill-treatment at a children’s home in Cardiff were in the spotlight. Dan Peters talks to sector experts about whether the system of inspection is failing.
Kent threatens Patel with legal action over asylum children
Kent CC is threatening to launch legal action against the home secretary as it struggles with rising numbers of unaccompanied child migrants.
We must give better support to COVID's young carers
The pandemic has led to more children and young people taking on new caring roles, and they need to be identified and offered assessment for support. Charlotte Ramsden explains.
Innovating for a fairer start
Early years and education is one of Nesta’s three focus areas for the next decade. Tom Symons outlines how they are partnering with three councils for trial discovery projects to improve school readiness levels.
Can the CMA make us see our market folly?
Kathy Evans outlines why the CMA’s investigation into the private provision of placements for looked-after children may ‘bring decisive insight to our care market folly’.
Somerset MP urges county to up SEN spend
A Somerset MP has urged the county council to find £2.4m from existing coffers to settle a two-year dispute over SEN funding.
Seize the reins
The County Councils Network's new business plan for recovery and renewal puts forward evidence-based practical proposals to influence the Government's key agendas across six clear priorities, says Simon Edwards.
Back from the brink
In 2018, Northamptonshire CC became notorious in local government. Yet the council, which is soon to be replaced with two new unitaries, is set to leave a substantial surplus to its successors. Cllr Matt Golby explains how this was achieved.
