Childrens commissioner urges action over children leaving school without Level 2 attainment
The Childrens Commissioner for England has urged the government to take action after analysis has shown that 18 per cent of children are leaving education at 18 failing to reach five GCSEs grade A* to C, or equivalent technical qualifications.
Anne Longfield has published research showing that 98,799 children in England (18% of all school [...]
Improvements made at Derbyshire but further work needed
A stronger leadership team has created stability at a strategic level across the service at Derbyshire County Council, Ofsted has said.
Following the single inspection in 2013, a council restructure led to a substantial reduction in leadership and management capacity in children’s services. Combined with a period of organisational instability, this resulted in a significant [...]
Special Report: All Party Parliamentary Group for Runaway and Missing Children
ADCS says suggestion is 'wholly inappropriate' - A row has erupted after the All Party Parliamentary Group for Runaway and Missing Children and Adults has slammed local authorities for unwittingly acting as ‘recruiting sergeants’ for county lines drugs gangs by sending vulnerable children to live miles away from home.
A row has erupted after the All Party [...]
First domestic abuse commissioner announced
The UK's first ever domestic abuse commissioner has been appointed by the government to lead on driving improvements on the response to domestic abuse in the UK.
Former Chief Executive Officer at charity Standing Together Against Domestic Violence Nicole Jacobs has been appointed as the designate Domestic Abuse Commissioner. Ms Jacobs, who has [...]
Cafcass accused of diluting role of children's guardians
Cafcass has been accused of 'diluting' the role of children's guardians and minimising their legal obligations.
Nagalro, which is the professional association for Family Court Advisers, Children’s Guardians and Independent Social Workers, have accused Cafcass of disseminating inaccurate information on its website.
The association highlighted recent judgements which have reinforced their view that "children’s interests [...]
ADCS raises concerns over plans to regulate childrens homes workforce
Concerns have been raised about the government's proposals to introduce professional regulation for care staff in childrens homes: in its response to the Department for Education's call for evidence on the childrens homes workforce, the Association of Directors of Childrens Services said that if professional registration is introduced, it may require re-registration of staff on [...]
