Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help.

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help reported on the recent Ofsted report for children services which confirmed overall that Dorset Council’s Children’s Services were of a “good quality and were continuing to improve” and that the council had delivered an impressive pace and effectiveness of change, in the context of a pandemic and Local Government reorganisation.

Ofsted gave the following judgement:

·       The impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families – Outstanding

·       The experiences and progress of children who need help and protection - Good

·       The experiences and progress of children in care and care leavers - Good

·       Overall effectiveness – Good

Whilst this judgement was welcome and should be celebrated there was still much work to do, in particular in the area of “Oversight of arrangements when care leavers move in and out of emergency or temporary accommodation”.  The Portfolio Holder confirmed that he would be working with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Community Safety to address these issues going forward.

From an operational point of view, the Executive Director for People (Children’s) advised that the report highlighted that Dorset Council had a clear understanding of the needs for Dorset families and this should be celebrated.  However, she touched on recent events relating to the death of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, stating the importance for the service to reflect on this tragedy as part of continued development of the service. The Executive Director also took the opportunity to welcome councillors continued support in the service.

Members welcomed the report and expressed the importance of celebrating this work.  This showed that the formation of effective policies helped to transform the lives of children, young people, and support families in the area of Dorset. 

Decision

Cabinet noted Ofsted’s published report of the recent Inspection of Local Authority Children’s Services in Dorset and the next steps.

Reason for noting the report

To ensure Cabinet are briefed on the outcome of this inspection and the planned next steps.