Worcestershire children’s services rating improves
Megan Warren-Lister
Thursday, July 27, 2023
Children’s services in Worcestershire have been rated as “good” by Ofsted, almost four years after a private company was set up to take over the department.
Following a visit in May, inspectors recognised that children’s outcomes have improved as a result of “family focused, child centred early help and proportionate statutory intervention” at the council.
The praise comes after The Department for Education ordered the council to set up a “wholly owned” company to deliver children’s social care services after it was rated “inadequate” by the inspectorate in 2017.
Ahead of the launch of Worcestershire Children First in 2019, inspectors uplifted the council’s rating to “requires improvement”.
Ofsted’s latest report adds that: “Strong work with children and families to divert children from care and to improve the timeliness of care proceedings is leading to positive changes for children.”
It also cites effective collaboration between Worcestershire Children First and political leaders, praising the “coordinated drive to continue to improve children’s experiences”.
The experience and progress of children in care was the only aspect of the local authority’s work to receive a lower rating of “requires improvement”.
In their report, inspectors highlighted some areas where further improvement is needed, including around risk analysis by the designated officer team and the involvement of children and care leavers’ in developing service delivery.
Councillor Andy Roberts, cabinet member for children and families at Worcestershire Council, said: “I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised that the senior leadership team in Worcestershire Children First has continued to work effectively with political leaders and partners to improve children’s experiences.
"We look forward now to working with our children and with the support of our partners, including the district councils to address the areas for continued development identified.”
