Calderdale Council has received a glowing report from Ofsted for its work to keep children safe and supported.
Ofsted inspectors visited the Council in May 2023 to look at its arrangements for children in need and child protection planning.
They found that children needing additional support are receiving an effective service and having their needs met, and are therefore better protected.
The Vision 2024 for Calderdale aspires to listen to unheard voices and help everyone achieve their potential regardless of their starting point. This was backed up by Ofsted’s praise for social workers spending time to get to know children and keeping their views at the heart of social work assessments.
Protecting children is a partnership effort across Calderdale, and the inspectors were impressed with the information-sharing between professionals from all the different organisations that support families. This ensures effective and timely responses to meet children’s needs and address any safeguarding concerns.
Other areas that received good ratings were the child-centred work with disabled children, support for parents, management and supervision of children’s cases and social work staff, investment in the workforce to address recruitment and retention challenges, and staff training and development to provide the best possible care for children. The Ofsted report says: “All social workers who met with inspectors are very positive about working for Calderdale.”
An area for improvement recommended by Ofsted is to make sure that when support for a child is due to come to an end, there is evidence of sustainable change so that the child doesn’t need repeat involvement of social workers in their life.
Cllr Adam Wilkinson, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services:
“This is a very proud moment for Calderdale – as a Council with a priority to reduce inequalities, and as a place where organisations and communities work together to keep children safe and supported.
“The national challenges in social work are well-publicised, not least the struggle to recruit and retain staff. It’s amazing recognition from Ofsted that we’re rising to the challenge and delivering good services.
“Thank you to all the staff, partners and families who support our work to give children the best start in life.”
The year 2024 marks Calderdale’s 50th birthday and there is less than a year to go. Where do we want to be by 2024? Get involved on Twitter with #VisionCdale2024 and find out more at www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision