Laura Sharman 26 November 2014

Children's services in Somerset 'inadequate' finds watchdog

Somerset County Council has come under fire for ‘inadequate’ children’s services following an Ofsted inspection.

Ofsted’s first multi-remit focused inspection found ‘too many’ services were judged ‘inadequate’ across the county, with a third judged less than good.

The report said that while education standards are improving, none of the children’s homes inspected were judged ‘good’ or better and two children’s centres serving over 13,500 were judged inadequate.

Bradley Simmons, Ofsted’s regional director for the South West said: ‘The council deserves credit for its role in improving the performance for primary and secondary children from both disadvantaged backgrounds and the most able students.

‘However, it is disheartening to see that the most vulnerable children, young people and families who rely on crucial services for care and support are being let down.

‘Urgent action is required if the council is to secure timely and effective arrangements for the safety and wellbeing of children living in the county.’

The watchdog has called on the council to improve the consistency and quality of care of its children’s homes and improve safeguarding of children.

Somerset County Council said it welcomed the report and would make urgent improvements where necessary.

Cllr Frances Nicholson, cabinet member for children’s services, said: ‘Everyone knows much improvement is needed urgently in many areas, but it’s important also to recognise the positives. We have put a lot of effort into supporting improvements in primary schools and that is making a difference for children. Our PRUs are doing well and I am pleased to note the strengths of the FE college inspected.’

The council added it had already decided to close both of the children's homes judged to be inadequate before the inspection took place and is working with the children's centres featured in this report to implement improvements.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

HR Onboarding Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (Pay award pending)
You have an opportunity to be part of a busy Human Resources team which offers HR support across the Council. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Purchase to Pay Administrator (Fixed Term) - WMF2122e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,584 - £25,992
We are looking for an Administrator to join our Purchase to Pay and Accounts Receivables team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - WMF2123e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£41,511 - £42,708
We’re looking for passionate social workers to join our team in Kendal following a recent reshape of our services. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Environmental Health Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£38,626 - £41,511
We are looking to appoint a full time Environmental Health Officer within the Environmental Protection and Community Safety Department. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Trainee Graduate Accountant

Wyre Borough Council
£25,992 - £37,938
Are you looking to kickstart your career in Finance? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner