The inspectorate’s third Social Care Annual Report, published on 28 June 2016, shows that there are still too many inadequate children’s services departments across the country. The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) reports that children who come to the attention of social care services are the most vulnerable in our society, and deserve the highest standards.
However, today’s report shows that a quarter of children’s services departments, 21 in total, are currently rated ‘inadequate’ while 43 require improvement. Many areas rated inadequate received the lowest rating for ‘help and protection’; the part of the system that assesses what the risks to children are, and takes action to protect them. The report argues that problems here remain the greatest challenge to the children’s social care system as a whole. In poor performing authorities weaknesses in leadership and management oversight, along with high caseloads, often mean children do not receive the right support at the right time. Despite this, for the first time under new inspection arrangements, the London boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea, along with Westminster, recently received ‘outstanding’ ratings.
A further 21 authorities have been rated ‘good’. In high-performing areas, inspectors saw strong leadership, both at a political level and throughout the organisation. Leaders create the systems and culture that enable high quality social work to flourish, and understand the skills and qualities the workforce need to do their jobs well.
In these places, children do not wait for help and support, and social workers are given time to work with families. Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw said: The picture of performance we are publishing today shows there is clearly an on-going need for improvement.
While we have seen some green shoots of progress, too many areas are still failing the children they are charged with protecting.
This report shows that the context of a local authority, including size, deprivation and funding, cannot be used as an excuse for poor performance. If some authorities can succeed in difficult circumstances, so can others. As I have said many times before, the driving factor that makes change happen at pace is good leadership. Areas that are letting children down must look to their higher performing counterparts with urgency, and follow their example.
Ofsted’s National Director for Social Care, Eleanor Schooling, said: When local authorities have a strong practice methodology and reasonable caseloads, social workers are able to work effectively with families and improve lives. We know that weaknesses can be overcome through grit, determination, and good leaders who make the work easier to do well. Ambitious ideas based on sound research can be the foundation for making rapid improvements to local authority children’s services.
Ofsted is committed to using the power and influence of inspection to improve the lives of children and young people, especially the disadvantaged and vulnerable.
