Ofsted to retain overall ratings for children's services

It had previously been suggested by the inspectorate that instead of giving children's services an overall rating from "outstanding" through to "inadequate", only specific service areas might be graded.

But a document published today outlining details of the new Inspections of Local Authority Children's Services (ILACS) framework, reveals that the controversial overall effectiveness rating will stay.

However, the inspectorate has said that the "requires improvement" rating will change to "requires improvement to be good".

Overall judgment ratings for children's services departments have proved unpopular within local authorities in recent years, with children's services leaders claiming they often do not reflect the nuanced nature of service provision.

There are also concerns that ratings can negatively impact on staff morale and make it difficult to recruit staff in order to improve services - perpetuating a negative cycle.

Ofsted has said the new inspection system will be more proportionate, risk-based and flexible than before, allowing it to prioritise inspection where it is most needed.

Local authorities previously judged to be good or outstanding will receive a one-week "short" inspection every three years.

Those judged "requires improvement to be good" will receive a two-week "standard" inspection every three years.

Meanwhile, local authorities judged to be "inadequate" will receive quarterly monitoring visits, followed by an inspection under the existing single inspection framework.

Local authorities that require improvement and those that are good or outstanding will also receive at least one "focused" visit between their short or standard inspection.

Ofsted said the new system will provide more frequent contact between inspections, helping Ofsted to identify any issues of concern and support local authorities to address them before services deteriorate.

Ofsted's chief inspector, Amanda Spielman said: "This is an intelligent approach to the inspection of children's services and an important development for the sector as a whole.

"Ofsted is fully committed to being a force for improvement across all the areas we inspect and I believe this approach will really help us to support improvement in children's social care."

Eleanor Schooling, Ofsted's national director for social care, said the new system of inspection retains the inspectorate's focus on the experiences of children and their families.

"Crucially, it will help us prioritise our work in areas where it is most needed," she added.

"The quality of social work practice with children that need help and protection, children in care and those leaving care is at the heart of our approach.

"More frequent contact is all about identifying what is working well and catching local authorities before they fall. We want to help authorities improve the support they provide for vulnerable children and their families.

"We have worked closely with sector leaders in developing this new approach, and I am pleased with the positive feedback we've received. This is a step forward for inspection that I hope will make a genuine and positive impact on children's lives."