Ofsted in talks over how to assess 'risk-taking' children's services
Neil Puffett
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Ofsted is in discussions with the Department for Education about how to inspect children's services departments that take risks through innovation in order to improve standards, it has emerged.
The news comes just days after the publication of a document by the DfE calling for services to take "measured risks" to improve outcomes for children.
Expressing a desire for greater levels of innovation within the sector, the document stated that "most areas" feel unable to take measured risks in the interests of children for fear of falling foul of prescribed approaches, adding that "this must change".
Responding to a question on Twitter about whether Ofsted will support "risk taking", the chief social worker for children and families, Isabelle Trowler, said that discussions involving both Ofsted and Partners in Practice, a programme to identify high-performing councils to support those struggling to improve children’s social care services, are currently being conducted on the issue.
She also stressed that the DfE is advocating "measured risks, not just any risks".
@dilbyh @cypnow Discussing with Ofsted & recently announced Partners in Practice how to take forward. Measured risks not just any risks.
— Isabelle Trowler (@IsabelleTrowler) January 18, 2016
The call for more risk-taking in children's social care comes just weeks after Prime Minister David Cameron warned that children's services rated as "inadequate" by Ofsted will be given six months to improve or risk having responsibility for social care removed.
Under the watchdog's single inspection framework, as of November last year, 77 per cent of the 69 authorities inspected had been rated "requires improvement" (52 per cent), or "inadequate" (25 per cent).
An Ofsted spokeswoman said: "Ofsted has worked closely with the Department for Education since the beginning of the Innovation Programme to ensure our inspections are responsive to the changing landscape, while not lessening our focus on the needs of children and young people.
"Inspection has a key role to play in highlighting good practice. It is right that Ofsted is part of the thinking with government and the sector about what works best for children and young people."
