William Eichler 26 January 2018

Essex to take lead over Barnet’s ‘inadequate’ children’s services

Essex County Council has been appointed Barnet’s improvement partner after the latter’s children’s services were rated ‘inadequate’ by inspectors.

An Ofsted report published in July last year found that Barnet Council’s children’s services were ‘inadequate’, prompting the Commissioner for Children’s Services to recommend the council receive ‘external direction and intensive support’.

The Children’s Commissioner for Barnet Council, Frankie Sulke, carried out a three month review and has recommended Barnet should retain control of children’s social care services, but with Essex CC acting as their improvement partner.

The Minister of State for Children and Families has written to Barnet Council accepting this recommendation.

Responding to the decision, Reuben Thompstone, chairman of the Children, Education, Libraries & Safeguarding Committee at Barnet Council, said he welcomed it and stressed that the welfare of children was ‘our number one priority’.

Mr Thompstone also said he was ‘pleased’ that the council would retain control of children’s social care services.

‘At the same time, we are in no way complacent, and recognise that we still have a long way to go to bring our services up the standard that children and young people deserve,’ he continued.

‘This is despite the best efforts of officers and the political leadership over the past 18 months.

‘With that in mind, we welcome the recommendation that the leadership of the improvement programme should be led and directed by Essex Council – a local authority with a proven track record in practice improvement.

‘We will continue to focus on delivering the comprehensive action plan we have in place and are absolutely committed to making the necessary improvements.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner