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

Pre-School/Nursery Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
Pre-School/Nursery AssistantPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Preschool Nursery Assistant - Level 3 Qualified

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
Preschool Nursery Assistant - Level 3 QualifiedPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Trading Standards Project Officer - Tobacco and Vapes

Essex County Council
£26601.0000 - £31295.0000 per annum
Trading Standards Project Officer - Tobacco and VapesFixed Term, Full Time£26,601 to £31,295 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Care Worker - WMF2272e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£34,434 - £35,412
We have an exciting opportunity, for a passionate, enthusiastic person Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Apprenticeships & Intermediate Labour Market Coordinator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Create real opportunities for local people and help shape a fairer future. As an Apprenticeships and Intermediate Labour Market Coordinator, you'll wo England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner