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13/7/2010 - Cabinet praises Children's Services Ofsted report

Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet has praised its Children’s Services after the department was singled out for special mention as one of only five local authorities in the country to receive a glowing Ofsted inspection.

Cabinet was told how Cumbria’s first annual unannounced Ofsted inspection took place on 4 and 5 May when inspectors visited Advice and Access teams in Carlisle, Penrith and Workington.

Inspectors considered a range of evidence, including electronic case records, supervision files and notes, observation of social workers and senior practitioners undertaking referral and assessment dutie and other information provided by staff and managers. 

Inspectors also spoke to a range of staff including managers, social workers, other practitioners and administrative staff. 

Ofsted stated that Cumbria Children’s Services had a very encouraging role in safeguarding children in the county.

From the evidence gathered the following positive features of the service were identified:

Key Strengths

  • Experienced staff on duty
  • Assessment and safeguarding teams operate within an effective multi-agency framework and provide good advice and support to external agencies and professionals on issues raised about the care and welfare of children
  • The electronic recording system is used effectively by staff and provides a coherent structure for case recording and data collection. Chronologies and case histories are particularly strong features
  • The quality of recording and planning is consistently good with clear aims and objectives which are routinely monitored for outcomes and impact
  • Audit systems are robust
  • Duty, assessment and safeguarding staff communicate clearly with parents and carers regarding plans and actions needed to safeguard children’s welfare. A good level of contact is maintained by social workers with children and their families during assessments and planning
  • Clear systems and processes are in place to ensure that all staff receive feedback on learning from serious case reviews and national enquiries
  • The children’s services locality model is clear and facilitates the effective processing of contacts, referrals and assessments

The report stated the Cumbria had no areas of weekness requiring urgent action.

Moira Swann, Cumbria’s corporate director for Children’s Services, said:

"The report reflects extremely positively upon the staff involved in safeguarding and those who support them. 

We are particularly proud of our recognition in providing strong and sensitive support to childrem and families in our community."

The assessment was carried out under section 138 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006, which contributes to the annual review of the Children’s Services authority. Ofsted will award a rating for this organisation later this year.

ENDS

Media enquiries to Media Officer Paul Bell on 01228 226337.