Services for children are on the mend

OFSTED RECOGNISES WORK. BUT IMPROVEMENT NEEDED

- DANIEL CLARK

OFSTED inspectors have recognised work to improve Plymouth City Council’s services for children and young people in their latest report – but said improvements are still needed.

Despite acknowledging ‘significant’ improvements to the service, the most recent inspection saw an overall rating of ‘requires improvement’ awarded.

The report, after a two-week on-site inspection in January, was the first full inspection of Children’s Services since 2018 and focused on the effectiveness of the department to support:

■The experiences and progress of children who need help and protection;

■The experiences and progress of children in care and care leavers;

■The impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families

The inspectors particularly praised the work of the new Director of Children’s Services, David Haley, and the work that has taken place to improve and transform the service.