Children's services in Northamptonshire no longer 'inadequate', says Ofsted
Significant improvements continue to be made to children’s services in Northamptonshire according to a report published by Ofsted.
Inspectors said: “Children in need of help and protection in Northamptonshire receive much better support than they did at the time of the inspection in 2019. Early help support has been strengthened, children at risk of harm are identified and timely protective action is taken.”
The first full Ofsted inspection of Children’s Services in Northamptonshire since the establishment of Northamptonshire Children’s Trust (NCT) highlighted that there is a ‘culture of support and kindness’ in the Trust. Care leavers described their personal advisers to inspectors as ‘amazing’ and ‘brilliant’.
Previously rated ‘inadequate’ in 2013 and again in 2019 with sixteen areas for improvement identified, services are now rated as ‘require improvement to be good’ with the number of recommendations more than halved.
In the reports to West and North Northamptonshire Councils, Ofsted inspectors said: “Leaders have developed and implemented an early help offer, stabilised the workforce, embedded a much more positive culture across the service and caseloads have reduced. This has been achieved against a backdrop of the establishment of Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, the creation of two new unitary authorities, a change to the director of children’s services (DCS) and the COVID-19 pandemic.”
It is also very pleasing to see that Ofsted recognised that “Children in care are supported to take part in a wide range of leisure and social activities. Their talents are promoted and celebrated. As a result, children have fun, make friends, develop a sense of achievement, and feel proud of themselves.”
Julian Wooster, Chair of Northamptonshire Children’s Trust said: “NCT have achieved a lot in the last two years, and I am very pleased that this has been acknowledged by Ofsted. Achieving the best possible outcomes for children, young people and families is at the heart of what we do and to see this recognised is fantastic especially in the challenging times that we are all facing.
“We know that social work is a challenging role which is why I was pleased that Ofsted Inspectors praised the positive relationships that social workers build with children and that they know their children well.
“Whilst this latest report is very encouraging, we know that we are on an ongoing improvement journey and there is no room for complacency. We recognise that we need to further improve our support to front-line social work practice and will continue to be ambitious for vulnerable children and young people in Northamptonshire.”
Councillor Fiona Baker, Cabinet Member for Children, Families, Education and Skills at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “This report shows that Children’s services really are improving in Northamptonshire. We know there is still progress to be made but I am confident that we are on the right trajectory. I would encourage skilled, experienced social work practitioners to join us and help us to achieve our ambitions for children and young people in Northamptonshire.”
Inspectors noted the effort that senior leaders take to visibly support staff and have a shared vision to improve services for children and young people. The workforce is positive about working for NCT. Inspectors also observed a real significant change in culture “one of high support and kindness.”
Councillor Scott Edwards, Executive member for Children, Families, Education and Skills at North Northamptonshire Council said: “A lot of hard work has gone into improving children’s services, so it is great to see this being documented by Ofsted. It is pleasing to see that they recognise that the early help offer has strengthened so that children are identified early when they need help. However, we will not rest on our laurels and will strive to continuously improve services for children, young people and their families.”
Inspectors praised the positive relationships that social workers build with children and that they know their children well.
The report also noted that children in foster care are cared for and about and they enjoy all the benefits of family life. Adopters benefit from the support of passionate, knowledgeable, and skilled social workers. Adopters reported positively about their preparation and journey to becoming adoptive parents.
To read the full Ofsted inspection report for North Northamptonshire and for West Northamptonshire.
Northamptonshire Children’s Trust is currently recruiting managers, social workers, and support staff to join them on their improvement journey.
Northamptonshire Children’s Trust is also encouraging people to consider fostering and adoption.