Company to run Worcestershire children's services launches

Worcestershire Children First, which launched on Tuesday, will also be responsible for services including education, early help and fostering in the county.

The new enterprise is expected to cost the council £3.72m, of which £3.35m is being funded by a grant from the Department for Education (DfE).

The DfE ordered the council to set up a "wholly owned" company in 2018 after an Ofsted inspection judged its children's services "inadequate".

Almost £20m has been spent by the council in the last two years on improving children's services and an inspection in July awarded the service a rating of "requires improvement to be good".

Catherine Driscoll, the council's current director of children's services, will remain in post as well as taking up the role of chief executive for Worcestershire Children First.

Driscoll said her aim was for the council to be seen as a "top-performing" children's service over the next five years.

Councillor Andy Roberts, cabinet member with responsibility for children and families, said the company would help the council continue to improve the way children's services were delivered and build on "substantial" improvements recognised by Ofsted in its latest inspection.

"Children and young people are at the heart of the company and we're looking forward to helping children in Worcestershire to lead happy and healthy lives and go on to reach their full potential," he said.

Children and families minister Michelle Donelan said the launch of Worcestershire Children First was an "important step" in ensuring families receive high-quality care and support.

"Every child should grow up in a safe and supported environment, so it's encouraging to see that improvements are being made in the care being provided to vulnerable children and their families in Worcestershire," she said.