A ‘Good’ judgement was given in all four areas of inspection; the impact of leaders on social work practice, the experience and progress of children who need help and protection, the experiences and progress of children in care, and the experiences and progress of care leavers.
The report highlights that leaders and workers want to make a difference in children’s lives. They have worked hard to improve how and when children are supported when they are at home with their families, living in care, or have moved onto have their own home when they are adults. There is a strong sense that ‘these are our children’ reflected in the value placed on their voices and the meaningful influence they now have on service development and decision-making.
Inspectors noted that when children need help and support, children have the right support at the right time. Social workers see their children often and that helps them to get to know and understand them. They also make sure that all of the people involved with their child – family, teachers, nurses – regularly meet to ensure that all of them know about the support the child needs. When children come into care, children are well looked after and happy, and most are able to stay with their carers until they are adults. They see their family regularly, are helped to make good progress at school and take part in activities and hobbies they enjoy. Children are supported to develop independence skills as they move towards adulthood.
Councillor Victoria Aitken, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education said: “I’m delighted that the inspection recognises the work and progress that has taken place over the last few years to ensure we deliver good services.
“Our priority has been to ensure that children, young people and families receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place. I’m pleased that the inspection highlights the redesigned family help offer, improving access for children and families across all of our communities. It’s really positive to hear that children who spoke with inspectors consistently reported that they are happy with where they live and with their carers. I’m also pleased the inspection reported that care leavers are well supported with practical and emotional support and independence skills, that they play an active role in shaping services and that they are positively benefitting from the Next Chapter Hub which opened last year.
“This is a very welcome report for children’s services, and along with our partners, we will continue to provide the best possible support to ensure every child and young person thrives.”
The report recognises that children’s plans are appropriately child focused and are co-produced with parents, partner agencies and children. Social workers spend time getting to know children and understanding their needs. Visits and direct work are purposeful, enabling children and their families to build stable and positive relationships with their social workers. Family networks are genuinely valued and considered at every juncture of the child’s journey. The inspection reported that children in care receive a good service and most live in stable and nurturing homes that are local to their family homes and where they feel safe, happy and make good progress.
Inspectors found that there has been improvement since the previous inspection including stronger management oversight, improved partnership working and a sustained focus on relational practice meaning that most children, families and care leavers receive support that is responsive to their needs and builds on the strengths within their family networks. Leaders have a clear understanding of areas requiring further development and have ambitions to continue improving children’s experiences to help them achieve positive futures.
Read the full Inspection of East Riding of Yorkshire local authority children’s services (ILACS) report: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/44/80466
