Kent County Council’s children’s services have been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted with inspectors recognising that the council has looked after ‘unparalleled numbers’ of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
The Ofsted report, published yesterday, records the top score in three of the four categories and ‘good’ in the fourth, with the overall effectiveness in providing children’s services as ‘outstanding’.
Ofsted found that children are at the centre of Kent County Council’s culture and practice, where they are supported and cared for by an experienced and skilled workforce who listen and respond to their views and feelings.
The council was praised for the way it works with family members and friends to help them support children and young people to stay with their own families.
The inspectors also praised the ‘outstanding practice’ for children in care and young people leaving care, who ‘clearly benefit from the support they receive and make good progress’.
Ofsted recognised that Kent children’s services have faced additional pressures brought by the pandemic, rising caseloads and needing to care for and protect the ‘unparalleled numbers’ of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children arriving in the county.
According to the report, ‘senior leaders and frontline staff have responded well to these exceptional circumstances’.
Council leader Roger Gough said: ‘The Ofsted rating of our children’s services is one of the most significant judgements on us as an organisation and it is a fantastic achievement for the children and young people we protect, care for and support. The rating is recognition of the dedication and commitment demonstrated by our staff from across children’s services.
‘Despite the huge challenges of the pandemic and those that we still face with rising demand and from the unprecedented numbers of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and young people arriving in the county needing our help, our staff and senior leaders are providing outstanding services.’
Kent County Council’s cabinet member for Integrated Children’s Services, Sue Chandler, said: ‘Protecting vulnerable children and families from harm and supporting them to live safe and fulfilled lives is one of our most important roles, so I am delighted that Ofsted has rated our children’s services as outstanding.
‘During the inspection, parents shared their views on our services with inspectors and it is wonderful to hear that they were unanimously positive about the way they work with staff and the support they receive. Ofsted’s findings are great news for everyone receiving and providing care and support.’
