As local authorities ride the roller coaster of Ofsted inspections, bouncing between the categories of outstanding and inadequate, why is it that we seemingly have systemic failure of public policy to address the needs of our children?
Despite the introduction of various pieces of legislation, in policy terms we continue to fail some groups of children. This serious failure is highlighted in Ofsted reports, and occasionally hits the media. As of 31 March 2022, 13 per cent of Local Authorities were judged outstanding, 39 per cent good, 35 per cent requires improvement to be good and 11 per cent inadequate.
Compliance with legislation and procedures on its own cannot develop the culture and behaviours necessary to be deemed outstanding. On a visit to Norway, I asked the Minister why their legislation to protect children was so short. They looked at me and said its “because we value, children, childhood, and family life. We don’t rely on legislation”.
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