Child protection cases closed without review as Ofsted rates Birmingham services 'inadequate'

The Ofsted inspection report of Birmingham City Council's children's social care services highlights widespread failures within the department, judging it “inadequate” overall and for all three key service measures.

The inspection, which took place in March and April, identified areas of serious concern in children who need help and protection; looked-after children; and leadership, management and governance.

The report reveals that the cases of more than 400 children, which had been referred more than two months previously, had not been risk assessed with a "significant number" receiving no intervention at all because their cases were closed due to insufficient staff numbers.

It also criticises the service, which has been rated “inadequate” by Ofsted since 2009, for failing to implement strategies to improve safeguarding for children and young people, citing a “significant and unaccountable” delay in implementation.

Ofsted found that a widespread misunderstanding about thresholds between the service and its partners undermined any attempts to make improvements and put children at risk of further harm.

The report also identifies a catalogue of failings by frontline social workers, for which it blames a “legacy” of poor management. Social workers’ failure to focus on outcomes for children and young people was due to “inconsistent management oversight", it adds.

The report states: “These failures have become so entrenched that despite recent efforts to improve management practice and outcomes, the progress being made to date is too slow and has had little or no impact.

“There have been too many ‘false dawns’ that have raised expectations but have ultimately failed to deliver adequate care and protection for vulnerable children in Birmingham.”

Care pathway plans for looked-after children unable to return home and for care leavers were also found to be substandard.