Ofsted rates government-imposed children's services trust 'inadequate'

Inspectors found that although some areas of work had improved since children's services were transferred from Doncaster Council to Doncaster Children's Services Trust, services for children who need help and protection remain "inadequate", resulting in an overall rating of inadequate.

The decision to strip Doncaster of responsibility for children's social care was initially ordered by then Education Secretary Michael Gove in July 2013 as a result of serious child protection failings at the local authority dating back to 2009.

The independent trust, which is responsible for all children's services except services for disabled children, the virtual school for children in care and the early help service, launched in October 2014.

Ofsted's report states that services for looked-after children, as well as leadership, management and governance of services, have improved since 2012 when, under the control of the local authority, all services were deemed to be inadequate. However a series of weaknesses were identified.

The early help partnership offer, which is co-ordinated and led by Doncaster Council, was found to be "fragmented", with too many children and young people whose needs could be met at a lower level are referred for statutory services.

"In a small number of cases, inspectors saw serious weaknesses, including delays in holding strategy discussions, potentially leaving some children at risk of harm.

"The quality of assessments is not consistently good and for some children plans are not clear enough about the areas of concern or what actions are needed to be undertaken to reduce risk."