Inspectors pleased with improvement

Services for children and young people have been given the thumbs- up by inspectors.

The report by the Care Inspectorate published last year identified weaknesses in how children and young people were supported in South Ayrshire.

But after listing improvements that were needed in leadership and in terms of how services work together to improve the lives of children experiencing neglect, inspectors are impressed with the changes made.

They commented they were confident that community planning partners have taken the findings of the earlier inspection“very seriously” and that the South Ayrshire community planning partnership was working hard to deliver change and improvement.

Karen Reid, chief executive of the Care Inspectorate, said: “Overall, encouraging progress is being made to reduce the numbers of children who need to be looked after away from home.

“Partners recognise they need to maintain the current momentum and energy levels if they are going to achieve sustained improvement and change.

“Nonetheless, we are encouraged by the clear cultural shift in the refocusing of priorities.”

Councillor Douglas Campbell, Chair of the South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership, added: “My thanks to all our staff and partners who work to support our children and young people on a daily basis and really do make the difference where it matters.

“I’m very proud and pleased that their efforts have been recognised by inspectors in such a clear and comprehensive way.

“And while we know there is more work to do – and this is already well underway – the progress report confirms we are moving in the right direction and getting it right for our children and young people in South Ayrshire.”