Ofsted inspectors visited the borough in March 2023 to assess the progress of children's services following a December 2023 judgement. They evaluated programs for children in care, particularly those with disabilities and those in precarious living situations. A new corporate parenting service introduced in September 2024 has improved social worker caseloads and data suggests a positive trend in timely visits and reviews. However, inspectors noted that many children still do not receive timely responses to their needs and achieve stable homes quickly, highlighting ongoing challenges within the social work practice.
Inspectors found that the introduction of a new corporate parenting service in September 2024 resulted in more manageable caseloads for social workers supporting children in care.
Inspectors noted that while short-term and long-term indicators of placement stability are improving, social work practice must still respond more swiftly to children's needs.
Councillor Oscar Ford expressed satisfaction that inspectors recognized social workers as committed advocates for children, emphasizing their efforts to ensure children's voices are heard.
Despite significant strides made in children's services, inspectors cautioned that many children still face delays in achieving permanent care.
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