William Eichler 07 February 2020

Council announces £4.4m for ‘significantly declined’ children’s services

Hull City Council has announced a series of measures to improve children’s services after Ofsted concluded that the experiences of children in care had ‘significantly declined.’

The council’s leader and chief executive yesterday announced that all cases are in the process of being reviewed to ensure that children are receiving the right care and protection.

A further £4.4m has also been committed by the council over the next year to help meet the escalating demand on children’s services and to provide the additional capacity and resources needed to improve.

Ofsted’s report, published in January, said: ‘There is insufficient management oversight to challenge drift, and to ensure that all children receive effective care planning and appropriate responses to their needs.

‘Managers at every level have been ineffective in recognising the extent of the weaknesses and impact on children.’

Inspectors also identified children in care ‘who were at risk of harm during the visit, and this required senior managers to take immediate protective actions.’

The council has announced a new director of children’s services and says it is working closely with its improvement advisor, with the Department of Education and with its regional children’s services networks in other authorities.

‘Our work to support children, young people and their families in Hull is paramount and today’s report is obviously a huge blow,’ said Cllr Stephen Brady, leader of Hull City Council.

‘On behalf of the council, I sincerely apologise that these essential services are not achieving the high standards required and want to reassure our residents that our top priority is to improve them.’

The inspectors warned that ‘risks to children are not well identified or well managed.’

‘A poor understanding of child exploitation and risks outside the family, and an absence of multi-agency strategy discussions result in weak responses to children who are vulnerable to exploitation,’ according to the report.

‘Children who have gone missing multiple times continue to be at risk of harm, and there is insufficient use of risk assessments and safety planning.’

Cllr Brady commented: ‘We are ensuring we have the right leadership, expertise and resources to support our staff and partners as we re-double our efforts to make the improvements needed and deliver the best services we can and that Hull’s children and families deserve.’

Matt Jukes, chief executive of Hull City Council, said: ‘We are deeply disappointed with the findings of the Ofsted monitoring visit. We completely accept their assessment and I apologise for the failings identified.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Educational Psychologist

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£45,586-£61,664
Are you looking for a role where you can truly work in alignment with your values? Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Executive Director (Children’s Services)

Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council
up to £137,831
Are you an experienced and inspirational leader of Children’s Services? Knowsley (Metropolitan borough), Merseyside
Recuriter: Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council

Assistant Director, People

Essex County Council
£89116 - £104843 per annum
Assistant Director, PeoplePermanent, Full TimeUp to £104,843 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Children's Residential and Edge of Care Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£31,537 - £34,434
We’re looking for caring, resilient, and motivated people to join our No Wrong Door team. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior High Needs Supported Accommodation Practitioner

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum
Are you ready to take the next step in your career and help shape an expanding service? Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner