Ofsted praise for children’s services following focused visit

Services for children and families in Wolverhampton 'remain a high priority', and 'aspirational plans are in place’ to improve them further.

Those are the findings of the recent week-long focused inspection of Children's Social Care Services by Ofsted. Inspectors Gareth Dakin and Sophie Wales looked at the city's arrangements for children in need or subject to a child protection plan, with a primary focus on services provided to children in need.

And they concluded that the needs of children and families 'are understood' and that areas of improvement identified at the previous inspection in 2022 have been advanced, with practice ‘strengthened as a result’.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "I am very proud of the fantastic work that our practitioners do, day in, day out, for vulnerable children, young people and families, and this brilliant report recognises this.

"It is great that we had the opportunity to showcase our good practice through the focused inspection, and that Ofsted has confirmed that we are continuing to make excellent progress as we transform children's social care services here in Wolverhampton."

Alison Hinds, Director of Children's Services, added: "This is such a positive, reassuring report regarding our strong child focused practice in the midst of what is a massive change programme in children's social care, and I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the inspection in any way."

In their report published today (Friday 1 November, 2024), the inspectors found children receive an 'effective and timely response' when they are referred to the Children’s Assessment Team, with 'comprehensive family help discussions and plans' providing a clear and focused analysis of their needs.

Thresholds are 'well understood and consistently applied', with most children receiving 'a consistent and effective service' from 'skilled and committed practitioners who show patience, kindness and understanding'.

Rigorous and detailed management oversight is described as a strength by inspectors, who say it 'provides clear rationale, direction and decision-making' which 'ensures that children do not need to wait for interventions to commence'.

A new Family Help Service has been introduced and is ensuring that most children and their families are 'provided with the right level and type of support at the right time'. There is 'a strong recognition and consideration' around the needs of children and families and, where risks and other needs are identified, these are responded to in a timely way.

Children who present as homeless receive a 'timely and proportionate response', safe and appropriate accommodation, and care and support in line with their needs. When children go missing, skilled practitioners respond in a 'proportionate and considered way' to safeguard children and mitigate risk.

Managers are supported by clear systems and processes, and collaborate with practitioners to ensure that 'informed and timely decisions' are made for children and families, with interventions appropriately escalated and de-escalated in a timely way.

Inspectors also reported 'strong relationships across the council and with safeguarding partners' and a collaborative and coordinated approach to working with children and families' which ensure that most children access 'the right services at the right time'.

Meanwhile, practitioners told inspectors that they 'feel positive and proud to work for Wolverhampton' and are having an impact on the lives of children and families. Senior leaders, managers and practitioners are 'strengthening the practice culture in Wolverhampton so that it is shared and understood by all' which is 'reflected in the strength of work with children and families in Wolverhampton.'

Ofsted will consider the findings from the focused inspection when it is planning future inspections or visits.