Children’s services ‘still need work’
Children’s services chiefs in Sunderland have insisted they have a “plan that’s working” – despite another critical assessment by Ofsted.
In July, inspectors from the Government watchdog branded the city department “Inadequate” for the second time in three years.
And following a visit early this year, the verdict of officials is that despite some improvements there is still plenty of work to be done.
According to the report, which was published yesterday: “The quality of the immediate social work response to children and families when requests are made for support remains inconsistent.”
Inspectors blamed a “lack of understanding by partner agencies” for adding to social workers’ workload.
And they singled out Northumbria Police for criticism, accusing the force of a “lack of essential information” in its referrals.
But there was also praise for recruiting permanent staff and reducing the reliance of agency workers, as well as for the speed they responded to cases.
Following a damning Ofsted inspection in 2015, which first branded children’s services in Sunderland ‘Inadequate’, responsibility for the service was handed to Together for Children (TfC), a new organisation created to take on the role.
Jill Colbert, TfC’s chief executive, said: “We recognise we still need to make improvements in a range of areas and have a detailed plan that’s working.
“It’s pleasing to receive Ofsted acknowledgement that the risks to children are being identified and managed.”
Councillor Louise Farthing, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “While there is still much to be done to get services to where we want them to be, it’s good to see Ofsted acknowledging the steady progress being made in recruiting a permanent workforce and the comprehensive plans in place to make a real difference to the lives of our children and young people.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner have been contacted for comment.
“We recognise we still need to make improvements”
JILL COLBERT