Inspectors gave the council the lowest possible rating following a single inspection review in June that assessed its looked-after children, child protection and care leaver services.
The review, the latest under Ofsted's single assessment framework, also looked at the effectiveness of the area’s Local Safeguarding Children Board, which was also rated as inadequate.
Inspectors were highly critical of the council’s senior officers and councillors for not prioritising children’s social care. “This limits the effectiveness of those with lead responsibility for children’s social care to drive up standards and sustain longer-term change,” inspectors said.
Child protection assessments and response times were also a cause of concern.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
