Laura Sharman 02 August 2013

Sandwell hits out at Ofsted's judgment

Sandwell Council has made a formal complaint about a critical Ofsted report into the way the council looks after children in its care.

The council said some parts of the report were inaccurate and it was unfair a second inspection had been so quickly.

Head of children’s services, Simon Hackett, said: ‘The report itself says we have turned a corner by undertaking wholesale system change rather than the piecemeal approach of the past.

‘It also praises our ambition and says we have built on a firm foundation to drive forward critical and widespread changes.

‘How then can it judge the service as inadequate overall or say senior leadership is failing?’

Since the resignations of director of children's services Helen Smith and Cllr Bob Badham, Sandwell has partnered with private sector firm iMPOWER in an effort to overhaul its children's services.

But the report from Ofsted said the council’s children’s service was ineffective, and also criticised its leadership and management.

 
 

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Deputy Team Manager - Older Adults Mental Health

Essex County Council
£48205 - £57988 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Interviews will be held in person at Rowan House, Colchester on 6th May 2026.The TeamWe are a committed team working with adults aged 65 years plus a England, Essex, Colchester
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Adults Social Worker - Learning Disability & Autism

Essex County Council
£38487 - £51834 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
This is a 12 month fixed term contract or secondment opportunity.We're an adult social care service that wants to see citizens of Essex have as much England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Caseworker (Pharmacy Liasion)

Middlesbrough Council
£31,022 - £32,597
We have an exciting role on offer within our Public Health service as a Caseworker (Pharmacy Liason). Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Carers and Co-production Practice Development Lead

Middlesbrough Council
£41,771 - £44,075
We have an exciting role on offer within our Quality and Practice team as a Carers and Co-production Practice Development Lead. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Quality Improvement Officer - Apprentice Provision

Essex County Council
£30585.00 - £35982.00 per annum
Quality Improvement Officer - Apprentice ProvisionPermanent, Full Time£30,585 to £35,982 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner