Hull children’s services ditches ‘inadequate’ Ofsted rating

Children’s services were rated as “requires improvement to be good” in its most recent inspection between 14 and 25 November following a previous rating of “inadequate” at its last full inspection in 2019.

According to the report, the appointment of new director of children’s services (DCS) Pauline Turner in 2020 has been instrumental to Hull’s progress.

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“Under the leadership of the current DCS, there is a stable and experienced senior leadership team in place that is focused on improving children’s lived experiences,” the report states.

Inspectors highlighted a “better service” for children in care and care leavers, and the council’s provision in this area was rated “good.”

The involvement of children in care in decision-making was a particular source of praise. “Children’s wishes, feelings and assessed needs inform considered matching decisions about where they live,” inspectors said.

Ofsted also found that care plans are “reviewed regularly” by Independent Reviewing Officers and inspectors commended the involvement of young people in attending to and contributing to their own reviews.  

The provision of support was found to be extensive, and inspectors added that the DCS and relevant panel now meet informally with children outside of official meetings.

Meanwhile, social work visits were described as being regular and purposeful, with cultural identity “generally well considered for children in care”.

Children’s experiences were also found to be enhanced by the council’s online provision.

“The virtual school is well led and effective in helping children progress in their education, and children in care usually make good educational progress from their starting points,” Ofsted’s report states.

Matt Jukes, chief executive of Hull City Council, said: “We are particularly pleased to have achieved ‘good’ for the services we provide for children in our care.

“We are already building on this and looking to many further improvements ahead so, first and foremost, we can consistently provide the very best support our young people and their families deserve.”

Care leavers were found to be similarly supported. Inspectors praised the council’s “comprehensive” offer and the multi-agency support system for leavers facing risk factors.

They also commented positively on the culture that the council has fostered. “Care leavers are supported to be ambitious and have opportunities to test different avenues to help them choose the path that is right for them,” states the report.

Inspectors also highlighted some areas for improvement within provision for children in care and care leavers, citing delays to initial health assessments and a lack of contingency planning during pre-proceedings for children coming into care.

In these areas, inspectors recommended improvements in child protection planning for children suffering long-term significant harm and the introduction of child protection chairs for all children in need of protection in the council’s senior management team, as well as better managerial oversight of social work.

However, inspectors recognised that a “social work academy” has been established at the council, alongside an “attractive” workforce offer including a programme of training and measures to improve recruitment and retention.

Councillor Linda Tock, portfolio holder for children’s services said: “We aspire to provide good and outstanding services for children and families in Hull and this is a significant milestone that should not be overlooked, as it provides the strong foundations for the future.”

Jukes added: “We understand we still have a lot to do but this report is a step-change from where we were previously with many positives, and hearing the feedback from Ofsted made me incredibly proud of how far we have come.”