News Insight: Children's Services - The state of services is laid bare

25 November 2008 1 min read Early Years Education Health Social Care Youth Justice

Ofsted's annual report last week showed that there have been improvements across the sector, but it also flagged up areas of significant concern. Ross Watson examines what the findings mean for the children and young people's workforce.

Ofsted released its annual report on the state of children's services last week, and despite improvements it is clear there is still much to do.

Chief inspector Christine Gilbert says: "There is much that's encouraging but some of these things we are seeing year after year. I am absolutely not satisfied."

Safeguarding is a big concern since almost half of all serious case reviews were judged inadequate. They are taking too long, restricting the opportunity to learn from them.

Also of concern is the fact that eight per cent of independent schools that are not members of the official association were judged as inadequate on securing the welfare, health and safety of pupils.

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