The Council recognises the seriousness of the findings in the recent Ofsted inspection report and the understandable concern this will cause for children, families, staff, partners, elected members and the wider community.
Our immediate priority is to ensure that the findings are responded to quickly, clearly and in a way that leads to sustained improvement in services for children and families. Work is already under way to strengthen practice, oversight and decision-making in key areas identified by Ofsted, including the front door, safeguarding responses, management oversight and support for children and young people.
The Council is now working through the immediate next steps with Ofsted and the Department for Education as key stakeholders. This includes understanding their requirements, expectations and the proposed approach to improvement support moving forward. It is important to recognise that both organisations will play a leading role in aspects of the process and any associated engagement activities, and we must ensure that we are guided by their advice and instructions.
The Council’s response will be taken forward through connected arrangements. These include a clear improvement plan, independent challenge through the Department for Education improvement support process, monitoring of progress by Ofsted, democratic oversight through the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee, and Executive leadership and decision-making where required.
It is important that the next steps are properly structured, evidence-based and coordinated. This will help ensure that information is accurate, responsibilities are clear, and the Council’s response is focused on improving outcomes for children and families.
The Council will continue to provide updates as the improvement arrangements are developed. This will include information about how progress will be monitored, how elected members will be engaged, and how assurance will be provided to children, families, staff, partners and the public.
The Council is committed to working openly and constructively with Ofsted, the Department for Education, partners, staff, elected members and families to address the issues identified and to secure the improvements that children and families need.