The verdict from Ofsted that the number of good and outstanding residential child care homes is continuing to rise is further evidence of sustained improvement in this sector (cypnow.co.uk, 22 November).
We are pleased given that the new inspection framework encourages richer inspection reports in which the voices of children can be heard.
The bad news is that providers are having to achieve this in a tougher climate. Ofsted notes powerful financial pressures, which often mean serial placements that are inappropriate and disruptive. We must avoid cash over care.
Ofsted is giving clear direction to councils over what will make the difference. It is of concern that Ofsted is looking for transformational difference when so many councils are not focusing on visionary development or even investing to save money over the long term.
The Independent Children’s Homes Association is calling for a return of Ofsted’s improvement function. Precise and robust advice is key to improvement, especially for the very small proportion of failing homes.
Jonathan Stanley, policy and practice consultant, Independent Children’s Homes Association
Support child trafficking victims
While Ecpat UK welcomes the government’s ambitions to tackle the sexual exploitation of children, the action plan makes minimal reference to the specific needs of child victims of trafficking (cypnow.co.uk, 23 November).
Ecpat UK remains concerned that victims are not receiving an adequate safeguarding response that ensures the protection and safe accommodation that their complex needs demand.
If the government is serious about tackling child sexual exploitation, it must reconsider its current position regarding a system of guardianship.
End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes
Deterrent to stop knife crime
Our experience of working with more than 100 young people aged 16 to 17, including young offenders over the past year, is that the carrying of weapons is a necessity to protect themselves. The majority of those who carry a weapon do so without the intention of using it. They carry it because they have been threatened or witnessed a friend being attacked.
A mandatory sentence cannot be the way forward (cypnow.co.uk, 21 November). Each case must be treated individually to determine the severity of the offence and condition for which the weapon has been carried. But there should be a programme to deter 16- to 17-year-olds from carrying a weapon in the form of community service, determined by their communities.
More importantly, we need to address why young people are feeling threatened in their own community.
Monique Rebeiro, Lives Not Knives
