Ofsted
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.
Herefordshire handed improvement notice
The Government has issued an improvement notice to Herefordshire Council over ‘serious concerns’ regarding children’s services.
Lack of ‘clarity’ hampering child protection
Improvements in multi-agency leadership locally and cross-government strategy nationally are required, Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission have told an inquiry.
A creative vision for Newham
There is now greater optimism that Newham LBC is reaching a tipping point in its improvement journey, says Tim Aldridge. The ambition is for the council to become a nationally recognised example of best practice by 2023.
Police investigate children's homes after suspensions
Police are investigating the closure of two Doncaster-based children’s homes suspended by Ofsted amid safeguarding concerns, The MJ has learned.
Boarding home closures prompt council response
Councils have been called on to help accommodate children with special educational needs after two boarding homes had their registrations suspended following critical inspections.
Intervention at Blackpool to end
A commissioner has recommended intervention in children’s services at Blackpool Council should come to an end.
Intervention ends at Reading
Government intervention in Reading Council’s children’s services has come to an end after five years.
Medway’s children’s services commissioner is stood down
Medway Council will continue to run its own children’s services after the independent commissioner is stood down due to good progress on improvement.
Warwickshire bid to bring its children back into the fold
A Warwickshire CC-operated children’s residential care home is in the pipeline. It will bring those currently housed miles away from their homes back within their area, delivering more positive outcomes for everyone, writes Cllr Jeff Morgan.
West Sussex to keep control of children’s services for at least a year
West Sussex CC will keep control of its children’s services for at least another year following improvements, the Department for Education (DfE) has said.
Ofsted warns of unseen child abuse
Opportunities to protect children at risk of harm are being missed due to the pandemic, Ofsted has warned.
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.
Ofsted warns of COVID impact on SEND support
The pandemic has ‘seriously affected’ support for special educational needs an disabilities (SEND), according to Ofsted.
Spike in child abuse
Ofsted’s chief inspector has warned of an increase in the number of child injuries and deaths uncovered by local authorities since the onset of the pandemic.
Criticised council makes SEND investment
Bristol City Council has pledged to spend £29m on capital works to boost services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Ofsted to visit councils and children’s social care providers
Ofsted will resume its visits to local authorities and children's social care providers from September, but these will result in a set of findings rather than a graded judgement.
Restored visits by Ofsted are ‘not about judging’
Rather than creating something new, Ofsted’s visits from September to schools and social care and early years providers represent an adjustment to get the assurance needed about the decisions being made for children, says Yvette Stanley.
EXCLUSIVE: Deficit puts councils on cliff edge
Many councils could be pushed over the ‘financial cliff edge’ if the £500m of high-needs deficit faced by the sector is not written off, the Government has been warned.
Ofsted 'mindful' of councils' coronavirus pressures
The watchdog has promised to be ‘extremely mindful’ of pressures faced by local authorities as it looks at resuming operations post-lockdown.
