CYP Now - ‘Inadequate’ children’s services targeted as Ofsted outlines plans to restart inspection visits

Local authority children’s services departments rated “inadequate” by Ofsted will be the focus of visits from inspectors following the Covid-19 pandemic, the inspectorate has said.

Ofsted chief inspector Amanda Spielman said enforcement powers would be used to address serious concerns. Picture: Ofsted

The visits come as part of a phased return to full inspections which will also see independent social care providers, schools and early years providers receive visits from inspectors but no ratings will be awarded.

Ofsted has announced a programme of visits to local authorities after usual protocol was suspended at the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

New guidance published by Ofsted states that inspectors will carry out “on and off site” visits to local authorities and independent providers from September.

The inspectorate will publish a letter or report on the findings of visits to local authorities and independent children’s social care providers, including children’s homes, but they will not receive an official rating, Ofsted said.

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