THE latest monitoring visit to Worcestershire children’s services, by Ofsted inspectors, has found that the support offered to children in care and to care leavers in the county has improved.
Eighteen months on from an Ofsted report that found that Children’s Services in Worcestershire were inadequate inspectors have now found that children are receiving better support and services.
They reviewed the progress of children in care, with a particular focus on placement stability and achieving permanence for young people aged over 16. Inspectors also reviewed the quality of practice in Worcestershire’s care leavers’ service.
In a letter published by Ofsted following a monitoring visit in April, inspectors described how leaders within Children’s Services have done a lot to improve how they listen to children.
Inspectors are now describing the Council’s corporate parenting arrangements as a strength.
Coun Andy Roberts, cabinet member for Children and Families, said: “I am really pleased that the hard work that our staff have been putting in is being recognised.
“This is the third monitoring visit in a row where inspectors have reported improvements to the service that we provide to Worcestershire’s children and young people.
“There is a lot more that we have to do and our investment of an extra £10.5million into Children’s Social Care in Worcestershire will support the improvement work.”
Inspectors spoke to children in care and to care leavers.
They observed social workers and in their report they describe the workforce as increasingly enthusiastic and committed, demonstrating a positive culture.
Essex County Council is working alongside Worcestershire’s Children’s Services as its Improvement Partner.
Work continues to develop a wholly owned council company to deliver Children’s Social Care Services in a different way in the future in Worcestershire.
