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

Business Services Senior Co-ordinator

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £31,015 - £34,811
Are you an experienced administrator who enjoys supporting people, leading a team and making sure services run smoothly? A fantastic opportunity has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Secretary

Durham County Council
£26,403 - £28,598 pro rata (pay award pending)
Required from 1st November 2026   Kirk Merrington Primary School are looking to appoint a full-time school secretary due to the retirement of the curr Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Fleet Hire Desk Assistant

Durham County Council
£27,274 - £29,542
The Fleet Operations Team in Fleet and Depot Management are looking for a Fleet Hire Desk Assistant to join their team.   To assist the Fleet Services Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,185 - £25,989 pro rata (pay award pending)
This role is permanent, term time only plus 2 weeks, 37 hours per week. We are looking for an experienced and qualified Teaching Assistant, who is hi Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Classroom Teacher

Durham County Council
£32,916 - £45,352 pro rata (pay award pending)
Required
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner