CYP Now - High turnover of social workers slowing children's services improvements, Ofsted warns

Ofsted has raised concerns that a “high turnover of social workers” is delaying Herefordshire County Council’s efforts to improve its "inadequate" children’s services.

Improvements in Herefordshire's children's services are blighted by delays, inspectors say. Picture: Adobe Stock

The department was handed the inspectorate’s lowest rating in July 2022 amid concerns it is failing to protect children and blighted by delays and “weak” social work practice.

But following a monitoring visit in June inspectors have raised further concerns over the “continued” high turnover of social workers.

This is leading to “drift and delay for children and reduces the impact of leaders’ service improvement plans”.

Another concern is the impact on families with “chronic long-term needs” of a legacy of “poor practice over several years”.

Too often children’s cases are closed before effective action has been taken to improve their lives, inspectors also found following their June visit. This is leading to increased re-referrals.

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