Childrens services
Long-term funding for local government looks ominous
In her first column for The MJ, and in her role as the incoming president of the Society of County Treasurers, Lorna Baxter says her worry is 'not the short-term funding issues, but the longer-term impacts on local government'.
Flexing practice in response to COVID in Surrey
Rachael Wardell reveals how promoting flexibility in Surrey CC’s usual practice is one of the biggest changes in the way children's services have responded to the impact of the pandemic.
Reasons to be hopeful
Newham LBC’s children’s services is rising to the demands of the third lockdown, while continuing to respond to the challenges that already existed in the London borough, says Tim Aldridge.
Children’s tsar - Families should be at the centre of MPs’ plans
Radical reforms in the wake of the pandemic should include rebuilding a government department that looks more widely at children, schools and families, says the departing children’s tsar.
Finding more funding
A flurry of Government grants have been received by local authorities in the wake of the pandemic. While this has helped some councils stabilise finances, what longer-term approach is needed to balance budgets? Martin Ford reports.
‘This was liberation’
Daisy Carter of the Innovation Unit outlines how COVID disruption inspired new ways of working in Greater Manchester.
Filling in the gaps
The Government has launched an independent inquiry into children’s social care in England, amid calls for a cross-Government commission into the impact of COVID-19 on the young. What do sector experts hope could be achieved? Ann McGauran reports.
Don’t forget our youth workers
Government needs to put as much focus on resourcing the children and young people’s workforce as it does on ensuring the sustainability of the of the sector in the short term, argues Jenny Coles.
Helping families through the tough times
Local welfare assistance schemes are crucial to delivering the Government’s package of winter support to families with children during the pandemic, says Toby North. Some councils, who previously did not have one in place, have set them up, he adds.
Babies’ needs overlooked in COVID response
A generation of babies risks being damaged by the fallout from the pandemic without a concerted effort from local support systems to improve outcomes, says a new report.
Knowing when to hit the dance floor
GatenbySanderson’s Phil Whitman outlines the importance of embracing adaptive leadership in public services.
Starting a journey of improvement
Jenny Turnross talks to Ann McGauran about Birmingham Children’s Trust’s progress with improving services for children and young people – and how it has risen to the challenge of the pandemic.
ADCS issues warning of family crisis to come
The Government need to provide a long-term financial settlement for to tackle rising demand for children’s services, experts have warned as economic consequences of COVID hit.
Helping councils defuse the early years ticking time bomb
Nesta has launched a new programme of Early Years Innovation Partnership, and is seeking councils to radically reimagine the way support is given, says Tom Symons.
Breaking down the barriers to employment
Will virtual working lead to a greater spread of geographical talent? Partner with GatenbySanderson’s interim leadership practice Craig Clarke looks at the possibilities.
Spinning plates to improve lives
Ann McGauran talks to Charlotte Ramsden about the part she’s played in developing a new vision and plan for children and young people’s services across Greater Manchester – and how it feels to be awarded an OBE.
Top civil servant opens up on asylum challenge
A senior Whitehall official has admitted she has a ‘knot in my stomach most days’ as she grapples with the unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC) influx.
'Wide-ranging' government care review 'very imminent'
Children’s minister Vicky Ford has promised that the long-awaited review into the care system is ‘very imminent’ and will be ‘wide ranging’.
NCAS: Experts call for a social care solution
There must be ‘no more procrastination’ on resolving the issues of adult social care that have been exposed by the COVID crisis, experts have warned.
We’re upping councils’ data game
Social Finance is working with partners to design a sector-led data science apprenticeship programme, starting with children’s services. Celine Gross outlines the aims and the approach.
