Ofsted rates Birmingham 'inadequate' again but notes some improvements

A re-inspection of the local authority, which has been rated "inadequate" since 2009, found that serious and widespread failings in some services intended to help and protect children have not yet been tackled effectively.

"Children are not always kept safe and not enough is being done to protect them from harm," a report of the inspection, which took place between 12 September and 6 October, states.

However, inspectors did say that, as a result of senior leaders and politicians working hard, investing considerable resources and reconfiguring services, there had been "significant improvements" in a range of services including those for children in care.

"Services for looked-after children have improved, and they benefit from seeing their social worker more regularly as a result of a more stable workforce," the report states.

"There is an increasing and improved focus on ensuring that, where necessary, children live with a permanent alternative family as soon as possible." 

Birmingham Council is currently planning to transfer children's services to a trust in a bid to improve provision. It has announced today that current children's commissioner Andrew Christie has been appointed chair of the proposed trust, a move that has been confirmed by the Department for Education (DfE).

Meanwhile Dave Hill, director of children's services at Essex County Council and president of the Association of Directors of Children's Services, has been confirmed as new commissioner by the DfE.

Andrew Christie said: "It is a real honour to take on the role of chair of the proposed trust. Birmingham has made some real progress recently but the trust will be a real step change.

"It will add to the capacity of the leadership, bring a sharp focus to continuing to improve social work practice, and bring a real transformational change."

Brigid Jones, lead member for children, families and schools at Birmingham Council, said: "I am pleased we will continue to work with Andrew and I look forward to working with Dave Hill.

"Dave is extremely well respected and I am confident he will offer valuable advice and experience.  

"When we began our three-year improvement journey we said that we would remain ‘inadequate' at this stage; however, there are areas that have improved to the next rating, earlier than expected.

"I see this as a positive report in the context of where we expected to be. As the government's chief social worker said the other day, improvement like this takes time and tenacity.  

"We have just started the third year of our improvement journey and remain on track in terms of significant progress made. We have solid foundations for continued improvement."