On safeguarding children, councils smart over judgments deemed superficial and unfair. So the new single inspection framework for children's social services, which replaces the "adequate" grade with "requires improvement", might do little to boost morale. But the framework promises a "comprehensive" view of care, as Ofsted's new social care chief Debbie Jones puts it, bringing together judgments for children who are at risk and looked-after with leadership and management (see p8).
Jones says the framework "captures a journey from entering to exiting the system". Much will depend on Ofsted ensuring the quality of inspectors. And when tragedy strikes, the response from Ofsted and government must be measured, not stoke a moral panic and media frenzy. We cannot eradicate the fact that children die from abuse or neglect, but we can better protect vulnerable children and young people from harm.
In a separate development, Education Secretary Michael Gove last week performed a U-turn over his hasty decision to strip Doncaster Council of responsibility for children's social care services (see p6). While the plan remains for these to be provided by an independent trust, Gove has accepted mayor Ros Jones's recommendation that the council should commission the trust and retain accountability, rather than yield accountability to the Secretary of State - an overbearingly centrist proposal that was deeply flawed. In the end, some sense has prevailed.
Team changes at CYP Now
An essential rule for writing editorials in newspapers and magazines is to avoid use of the first person.
Editors set out to champion the interests and work of their audience by articulating a case for a cause or a course of action, believing personally in their own arguments but speaking on behalf of the title. I am breaking that rule because this is my last editorial as editor of Children & Young People Now. The new editor is our talented deputy editor Derren Hayes. But I am not leaving the title - far from it. I will continue as editor-in-chief, ensuring we maintain high standards; overseeing our wider initiatives, including live events; and helping to represent the title in the sector. I am also taking on the wider role of publishing director in the education division of the Mark Allen Group.
I have edited CYP Now for just over six years, during which time there have been huge changes in policy, increased pressure on resources and heightened social need. I am regularly inspired by the innovation and resilience right across the children's workforce.
CYP Now remains committed to examining the issues that matter and shining a light on good practice, in print and online. As well as blogging for our website, I will be making the occasional reappearance on this page in the event that Derren takes a holiday! As ever, please feed us your suggestions on how we can continue to meet your information needs.
ravi.chandiramani@markallengroup.com
