Martin Ford 13 December 2018

Wakefield avoids intervention over children's services

Wakefield Council should retain control of its children’s services, a commissioner has recommended.

Former director of children’s services at North Yorkshire CC, Peter Dwyer, was appointed in August by the Government to report on efforts to improve the service, following Wakefield's ‘inadequate’ rating by Ofsted the previous month.

He found evidence of ‘dangerously high caseloads, limited management oversight and restrictions to the quality of strategic analysis and financial decision making’ at Wakefield, according to his report to education secretary Damian Hinds.

Mr Dwyer added: ‘The LA [local authority] has not historically prioritised and collectively committed to the improvement work so clearly required.’

However, Mr Dwyer reported that Wakefield had ‘responded robustly and at considerable pace’ and, crucially, ‘significant, additional financial resources have been immediately prioritised'. 

Wakefield's response has included the appointment of a new director of the service and the establishment of an improvement board.

Mr Dwyer warned that the council should guard against becoming ‘statutorily compliant’ while not ‘effecting positive change’ in children’s lives.

He advised that the improvements being made meant that Wakefield should remain in control of its children’s services, but that commissioner oversight should continue with further reviews every six months.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Technical Support Officer

Wyre Borough Council
Grade 5 £25,992 – £27,711
This is a really exciting time to join Wyre Council, with a new Leader and Chief Executive leading our next chapter. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Residential Worker

Essex County Council
£27934.00 - £35344.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Residential WorkerPermanent, Full Time£27,934 up to £35,344 Per Annum (includes allowance) equal to £14.48 to £18.32 Per HourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Early Years Keyworker

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£37,068 - £38,058
Want to make a difference for children with special educational needs in Greenwich? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Early Years Area SENCo

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£39,855 - £42,324
Have you got extensive experience in working within Early Years, with a clear understanding of child development Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Young Persons Substance Misuse Service Pathfinder

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£31,524 - £32,931
Are you looking to change the lives of young people? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner