Ofsted praises council's children's services for domestic violence work

In a report published today following an inspection in October 2015, Gateshead Council has been given an overall “good” rating.

Besides praise for work to tackle domestic abuse, and leadership standards, the local authority was also commended for its fostering support, promotion of children’s rights, and celebrating the achievements of looked-after children and care leavers.

“There is strong corporate commitment to safeguarding and improving outcomes for all children and young people in the borough,” the report states.

“Political leaders and elected members led by the chief executive officer are good advocates for vulnerable children and young people.”

Inspectors said a particular strength was the alignment of adult and children’s commissioning for services for parents including domestic violence support and prevention, adult mental health and substance misuse services.

"This is leading to much earlier identification of children in need of help and protection," the report states.

The report adds that the council has invested in domestic abuse support services including dedicated domestic abuse workers within the social work teams.

It highlighted a pilot initiative the local authority has established with the police and two neighbouring authorities to share information with schools following domestic abuse incidents.

“This has led to 276 separate incidents of domestic abuse reported to schools that otherwise would not have been known,” the report states.

“Although it is too early for an impact evaluation, the feedback from schools is positive as it allows them to consider additional support needs for pupils.”

The report adds that the council has “responded effectively” to areas for development that were identified following the inspection of child protection services in 2013, which were rated “good”, and the inspection of safeguarding and looked-after children services in 2011, which were rated “adequate”.