Heather Jameson 29 January 2018

Rotherham's children's services rated 'good' in dramatic turnaround

Rotherham Council’s children’s services have been rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted, following three years of Government intervention in the aftermath of the child sexual exploitation scandal.

In a dramatic turnaround from its last ‘inadequate’ report in 2014, Ofsted says: ‘The quality and impact of services for children are transformed.  Risks to children are recognised early and responded to ensuring their safety.

‘The corporate response and associated change in the quality of children services has been impressive.’

Rotherham faced an unprecedented Government intervention in 2015, following on from two independent reviews by Professor Alexis Jay and Dame Louise Casey. The Casey review, published in 2015, claimed the council was in denial and failing to deal with the issues.

Speaking to The MJ,  council leader Chris Read welcomed the improvement and said: ‘We know we are on a journey, but we have fundamentally changed the culture and the way the council works – and the way the council thinks about itself.’

Services for care leavers were identified as ‘outstanding’ and the report says: ‘Care leavers in Rotherham receive an excellent service.’

The Ofsted report said:

  • All staff have worked very hard to make services for children better in Rotherham
  • The police and social workers act quickly to ensure the safety of children at risk
  • Assessments for some children are lengthy and too difficult to understand
  • Work needs to be done on looked after children, some are moved too often
  • Social workers feel well supported

Rotherham is due to remain under government intervention until March 2019.

Elsewhere, Somerset CC's children's services has moved to requires improvement after two inadequate judgements in a row.

Director of children's services, Julian Wooster, said: 'It's been a long journey and we are only one step along on our ambition to reach outstanding but this inspection rating is a reward for all the staff who have contributed.' 

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner