Ofsted highlights ‘unacceptable’ screening visits at Oldham
“Unacceptable” screening visits are being carried out at Oldham children’s services, Ofsted has found.
The focused inspection of the authority which concentrated on the local authority’s arrangements for the front door identified that social workers are undertaking ‘screening visits’ to some children and their families prior to a referral decision, although the rationale for these visits [...]
Coalition argues against video links in courts for child defendants
Using video links for court cases involving children “impedes children’s participation in the process, prejudices outcomes and undermines the seriousness of proceedings,” campaigners have warned.
An open letter from more than 50 experts and organisations including representatives from the Association of Youth Offending Team Managers, Nacro, Children England and The Prison Reform Trust, urges the government [...]
Serious Violence Strategy: Early intervention is key
A Serious Violence Strategy backed with £40m of funding has been launched by the Home Office.
The strategy acknowledges the changing drugs market and in particular crack cocaine, ‘county lines’ and its implications for drugs, violence and exploiting vulnerable people and includes a focus on early intervention to educate young people.
However, council leaders have warned the [...]
Wirral has made ‘effective efforts’ to address shortfalls
Wirral children’s services has made effective efforts to address some of the shortfalls identified in Ofsted’s single inspection framework inspection of September 2016 regarding help and protection services, the inspectorate has said.
The quality of assessments at the ‘Integrated Front Door’ system is good although further work is needed to ensure that there is a full [...]
Former children’s minister appointed as chair of Cafcass
Edward Timpson has been appointed as the chair of Cafcass, the organisation has announced.
The former MP for Crewe and Nantwich was the Minister of State for Children and Families between 2015-2016 and the Minister of State for Vulnerable Children and Families at the Department for Education between 2016-17.
Cafcass’ Chief Executive Anthony Douglas welcomed Edward’s appointment: [...]
Cambridgeshire needs to address recruitment issues, says Ofsted
Cambridgeshire children’s services need to recruit experienced social workers to deal with the high caseloads in some areas, Ofsted has warned.
A focused visit of Cambridgeshire Council found that while corporate and political support is ensuring a continued focus on improving social work practice, the recruitment of suitably qualified and experienced social work staff needs to [...]
