One in three areas cut early mental health help
Over one third of local areas are cutting spending on low level mental health services the children's commissioner for England has warned.
While the total reported spend on preventative and early intervention mental health services across all areas in England increased by 22% between 2016/17 and 2018/19 in cash terms, and by 17% in real terms, [...]
Government announces funding to reduce children in care
The government has announced funding of £84 million to help benefit children in and on the edge of care.
The funding, which marks the 30th anniversary of the Children Act by reaffirming its core principle that, where possible, children are best brought up with their parents, will help up to 20 councils to support families to [...]
Newham issued with improvement notice and fined following data breach
An improvement notice has been issued to Newham Council after Ofsted rated the local authority's children's services as inadequate in an inspection report published in March.
The Secretary of State has appointed advisers to provide advice to the council, to chair the improvement board and provide improvement support to the council. The council will work with [...]
Register proposed for children not educated in schools
The government has announced proposals for a register of all children not being educated in school.
Ofsted said it had had concerns for a long time about the increasing numbers of school-age children not attending a registered school, "many of whom may not be receiving a high quality education or being kept safe".
"We are especially concerned [...]
Barking and Dagenham requires improvement
Services for children in Barking and Dagenham require improvement, as was the case at the last inspection in 2014, Ofsted has said.
However, the recently appointed director of children’s services, together with her senior team, has appropriately prioritised services for children most at risk.
"Strong and effective senior leadership is resulting in tangible improvements to both the [...]
North Lincolnshire further strengthens practice at front door
North Lincolnshire children's services has strengthened practice further at the front door since the last inspection in 2017.
Ofsted rated North Lincolnshire good in help and protection and outstanding overall in the previous inspection but the local authority has introduced additional management capacity which is facilitating clear, consistently robust and timely decisions throughout the initial stages [...]
