Ellie Ames 02 November 2023

Concern over hotel use for care leavers

Concern over hotel use for care leavers image
Image: fizkes / Shutterstock.com

Too many care leavers live in hotels or other unsuitable accommodation in Devon but oversight at the county council has improved, Ofsted has found.

Inspectors have paid their sixth visit to Devon County Council’s children’s services after they were rated inadequate in January 2020.

Inspector Steve Lower said: ‘Staff describe a positive change in culture, characterised by a significant improvement in senior management oversight and interest.’

Mr Lower found that ‘too many care leavers live in hotels’ and highlighted a shortage of appropriate accommodation.

However, he noted that when there were housing issues or homelessness risks, the council’s personal assistants acted ‘with urgency’.

Cabinet member for children’s services Andrew Leadbetter said: ‘I am pleased that inspectors are beginning to see areas of good practice and some significant improvement.

‘However, it is clear that we still have a long way to go together on our improvement journey and we must continue to work hard to start to see improvement in outcomes for our young people, but it is good to see that we are on the right track.’

In April a review of Devon’s governance was announced, prompted by issues including a ‘continuous failure’ to turn round its inadequate-rated children’s services for 12 years.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Virtual School Inclusion Support Officer

Essex County Council
£32768.0000 - £38550.0000 per annum
Virtual School Inclusion Support OfficerPermanent, Term Time£32,768 to £38,550 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Business Development Officer

Essex County Council
£36341.0000 - £42754.0000 per annum
Senior Business Development Officer - Integrated Passenger Transport UnitFixed Term, Full Time£36,341 to £42,754 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Adults Social Worker - Neighbourhood Team

Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Interview dates
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Investment Marketing and Web Officer CDC

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 8, £33,708 - £37,399
The postholder should be experienced in planning social media activity, refreshing web content and analysing their impact. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner