Delivering services that help people live healthy and independent lives, and give young people and children the best start in life, are two of our corporate priorities.
Not only do we have a statutory duty to provide them but I believe we also have a moral duty. That’s why I am making sure that we implement the findings of recent inspections of the two council directorates responsible for delivering these services.
Adult Social Care supports thousands of Trafford residents, including older people, adults with disabilities, people with mental health needs and unpaid carers. A report by the Care Quality Commission into the service said we must do better but recognised we are on an improvement journey and we are making progress.
We take on board what the inspectors have said and will continue to invest more resources into the directorate so it provides effective care and delivers lasting improvement for Trafford residents and carers.
In terms of children’s services I share the deep concern following our recent Ofsted inspection and apologise for the failings highlighted in the report.
I am determined to ensure we never find ourselves in this situation again. I want to reassure everyone that I have acted decisively to make sure a clear improvement plan is being implemented to address the issues identified by Ofsted. There will be clear oversight and accountability and we will get it right.
On a more positive note pupils across Trafford once again excelled in A Level and GSCE exams with some of the best results in the country and I congratulate the hard work of our students and staff.
I am particularly proud of the students and staff of Trafford Virtual School, a Trafford Council team that offers educational support to children who are cared for, adopted or who have had a social worker at some point in their lives. They have worked so hard and achieved some great results and they should be rightly proud of what they done.
Trafford has a rich history and recently it was an honour to be at the unveiling a Blue plaque in Bowdon for social reformer known as ‘The Climbing Boys’ Friend’. William Wood was a campaigner whose efforts helped end child chimney sweeping. You can read more about it here.
Finally, summer may be coming to an end but as always there is so much happening across Trafford. We are always looking to ways to promote our fantastic cultural and sporting heritage, and to help do this we have a new website which will let people know what events and activities are taking place across the borough.
Trafford Is showcases the diverse mix of event and things for people to do across the borough. It brings together internationally recognised brands such as the Imperial War Museum North and Lancashire Cricket Club, alongside artist-led and grassroots organisations from across Trafford. Check it out for yourself!
Best wishes,
Tom