Social workers
Care satisfaction hits all-time low
Public satisfaction with social care services has slumped to the lowest level ever recorded, according to a new survey.
Mission impassable
After the DfE’s about-turn over its own consultation for councils to end the use of agency social work project teams, Rachael Wardell argues they diminish an authority’s ability to implement a consistent practice model. Ann McGauran reports.
Ofsted rates Havering's children's services inadequate
Havering LBC’s children’s services have been rated inadequate by Government regulator Ofsted after a two-week on-site inspection.
Bronson Battersby: Review launched after toddler’s death
Lincolnshire County Council has launched a review after the tragic death of two-year-old Bronson Battersby.
Barnsley's Hub: where children’s social work flourishes
Barnsley MBC’s Practice Development Hub is supporting staff across the Children’s Services workforce as well as benefitting families, says Carly Speechley.
Who wouldn’t want to be a DCS?
As directors of children’s services gather at the National Children and Adult Services Conference, Philip Emms and Jane Parfrement reflect on the achievements of the aspirant DCS programme
AI: The future for local government
Last week, Rishi Sunak brought world leaders to Bletchley Park to focus on AI, but what will it mean for councils? Penna and The MJ asked a recent round table just that. Heather Jameson reports.
Virtual schools: expanding a hidden asset
A recent report from the County Councils' Network explores the development of virtual schools over the last decade. Owen Mapley says councils should consider how they can be used to drive improvement and educational excellence.
Working to help children’s services in Essex grow
Essex CC has achieved a second consecutive ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating for children’s social care. Helen Lincoln explains some of the key reasons for the service’s success.
Health backing for police withdrawal delay
Senior healthcare figures have backed councils’ demand to delay police withdrawal from non-urgent mental health callouts.
We need creative solutions for all our children
Ann McGauran sets the scene ahead of this week’s Association of Directors of Children’s Services annual conference in Manchester and talks to president John Pearce about the challenges ahead.
Care Act’s duties and impact on individuals
Carmen Colomina explains the SCIE’s process of working through the complexities of the Care Act 2014 to improve and promote individual wellbeing.
Five priorities to solve the workforce crisis
Gordon McFarlane sets out five ways to address the capacity and skills gap in local government, and he says no single authority can solve the crisis alone.
Children's social worker numbers drop for first time since 2017
The Government has been urged to act after official figures showed the number of children’s social workers has fallen for the first time since 2017.
Tensions over children's social workers
London Councils has launched a broadside at neighbouring South East councils for luring children’s social workers by paying them more.
Calderdale’s long-term pledge to social care
Calderdale MBC is embarking on a drive to strengthen its adults’ and children’s social worker teams, with a focus on being the best possible employer. Julie Jenkins and Cath Gormally talk to Ann McGauran.
Bridging the funding gap for children
The Government’s response to a flurry of reports on children’s social care will make some things better, say experts – but there is dissatisfaction over the level of funding on offer and how it will be spent. Ann McGauran reports.
Why do Governments fail to heed the advice of reviews?
There remains a huge unanswered question, says Heather Jameson. Why do Governments of all colours persist in commissioning independent reviews and ignoring the outcomes?
We’re ready for change
If we grasp the opportunity of reforms to the education, special educational needs and social care systems ahead of us we can make big improvements to children’s outcomes, says Steve Crocker.
Penna view
Recruiting experienced social workers remains a challenge for councils in 2023. Sonia Tanda of Penna sets out the current, most-effective practices in talent attraction and retention,