Childrens services
3 priorities for the new education secretary
Donna Molloy of the Early Intervention Foundation outlines three priorities for the new secretary of state for education Nadhim Zahawi, and says there’s a ‘window of opportunity’ for positive change.
Keeping the safety net
Local authority leadership is invaluable to Transitional Safeguarding and councils are ideally placed to enable complexity-attuned commissioning, says Dez Holmes.
Avoiding another Lambeth
Richard Scorer says the obvious question hanging over the report of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse on the experiences of children in Lambeth’s care is are children safe in local authority care today?
Integrated early years services – the benefits are clear
The Institute for Fiscal Studies’ report on the long-term benefits of Sure Start offers a rare opportunity to build on a strong evidence base to design the new Family Hubs programme, say Sarah Cattan and Christine Farquharson.
Peers call for joined up funding for children and families
Peers have urged Cabinet ministers to produce a cross-Whitehall bid for funding for vulnerable children and their families in the next Spending Review.
Children 'still at risk'
Young people are still being put at risk by an ineffective child safeguarding process, experts have claimed.
Birmingham faces intervention on SEND
Birmingham City Council faces a further intervention after a damning Ofsted report revealed it was not making progress.
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.
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.
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.
