William Eichler 05 June 2024

Government acknowledges Blackpool children's services improvements

Government acknowledges Blackpool childrens services improvements  image
Image: fizkes / Shutterstock.com.

Blackpool Council has welcomed the lifting of a government directive requiring the local authority to improve its children’s services social care.

The statutory direction was issued by the Department for Education after an Ofsted inspection in 2018 deemed the service to be inadequate.

The council has since introduced an improvement plan supported by a £4m investment, which resulted in the recruitment of more than 100 social workers.

Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, David Johnston OBE MP, said he was ‘satisfied’ the council was ‘ambitious in their desire to further embed and build upon improvements to date.’

In a letter to the authority, he wrote: ‘I have decided to remove the revised Statutory Direction which was issued in July 2019 on the understanding that children’s social care services remain one of the key priorities for the Council.’

The minister emphasised that this only relates to children’s social care services and that the council should maintain their engagement with the Department for Education on SEND services.

Cllr Jim Hobson, cabinet member for Children’s Services, commented: ‘I am delighted that the minister has recognised all of the improvements that have been made and removed the revised statutory direction which was issued in July 2019.

‘Credit must go to our dedicated, ambitious and committed workforce within children’s services social care who are working day in, day out to provide better outcomes for local children and their families. It is clear to see that their hard work is paying off.’

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

Financial Strategy Manager (Revenue)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we invest in our borough's future.Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we inves England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Manager - Locality

Wakefield Council
£55,979.00, Grade 13
Wakefield Children’s Services have been rated by Ofsted as GOOD with outstanding leadership. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Safeguarding Business Support

Wakefield Council
£12,792.00 - £13,634.50, Grade 5, 18.5 hours, Temporary- 12 Months Maternity Cover
An opportunity has arisen for an Administrator to support the Integrated Front Door Service Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Registered Homes Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £48,710 - £52,805 (Pay Award Pending) plus £2,500 recruitment/retention allowance and £3,500 market supplement. The salary with additional payments equate to an earning potential per annum of £58,805 at the top of the grade.
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Manager, Connected Carers

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £48,710 - £52,805 (Pay Award Pending)
Are you passionate about supporting children to remain within their family networks? Do you have the leadership skills to guide a dedicated team worki Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner