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

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner