Ofsted
Putting it right
What does the future hold for children’s social care and what are the priorities for reform? Ann McGauran reports from a Westminster Education Forum conference.
Transforming services through COVID
Keeping children’s services going through a pandemic was hard enough, but St Helens MBC has embarked on its own journey of transformation, as Jim Leivers explains.
Making the leap
Patrick Melia explains Sunderland City Council’s drive and determination in taking its children’s services from inadequate to outstanding.
Voyage for improvement
Blackpool Council’s new model of practice is shifting service culture away from a focus on process to one that works with families to achieve optimum impact and outcomes for their children, writes Victoria Gent.
Helping care leavers thrive
Jon Rouse highlights Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s progress in supporting care leavers. Getting things right ‘starts with the basics’, he says.
SEND children being left behind by council
Children with special educational needs are being left behind by council services across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, inspectors have found.
Durham told to end unregistered placements
Durham Council must take decisive action to end unregistered placements for children in care, Ofsted has warned.
The Lambeth report is a warning to us all
The historic abuse of looked-after children in Lambeth LBC is about the worst example of what happens when a toxic political culture poisons the entire authority, says Michael Burton.
We’re in this for the long haul
Six years on from the Jay report into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham, council leader Cllr Chris Read says Government must support local authorities in the fight against abuse. But his organisation is ‘not waiting for national improvements’.
Ofsted chief rubbishes ‘inspection tsunami’ claim
Amanda Spielman has sought to ease concerns about a deluge of inspections as the watchdog resumes normal activity in September.
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.
Councillors to bring supported housing closer to home
Senior Haringey LBC councillors have moved to develop supported housing for young people with complex learning disabilities and autism within their own borough.
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.
