A recent Ofsted inspection of Nottinghamshire County Council’s children’s services has found the help, protection and care that children and young people are receiving to be good, and that the impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families to be outstanding.
The report which has been published today, Friday 12 July, cites a range of positive outcomes for the council service.
This latest rating highlights a clear improvement in the services delivered by the council, following the 2019 inspection where the service was rated good in two out of three judgement areas. The service has now been rated good in three out of four areas and outstanding in one area of judgement under the latest framework.
The report commended 'clear strategic direction, effective partnerships and strong political and corporate support for children’s services have sustained and improved services for children and families since the last inspection in 2019'.
Inspectors described the leadership team as 'aspirational for children and young people in Nottinghamshire'.
The inspection team, which spent two weeks in May this year speaking with more than 150 children, staff, parents and partners, considered all aspects of council services for children in need in the county.
They found that 'children benefit from purposeful relationships with their social workers, who know their children well' and that 'social workers use thoughtful and sensitive language'.
In referencing the council’s virtual school, the report states 'schools and carers are full of praise for the support that they, and the children they look after, receive'.
Inspecting the support for care leavers, they found 'the offer of practical and emotional support to assist care leavers moving into independence is a strength of the authority'.
The report recognised that 'leaders are child-focused and have very effectively inspired others, in the council, the partnership and wider community, to change the lives of children and families'.
It recognised that social workers in Nottinghamshire play a crucial role in helping children and young people. The report said that they respond quickly to help them before problems worsen, make efforts to understand their lives, and ensure their safety. When children need to be looked after away from home, social workers ensure they are well cared for and supported.
They also help young people leaving care to live independently and provide support and advice. The 'virtual school' helps children do well in school, and the Children In Care Council known as ‘No Labels’ gives children a forum to share their views. The report said that the workforce in Nottinghamshire cares about children's wellbeing and works hard to improve services.
Colin Pettigrew, Executive Director of Children and Families for Nottinghamshire County Council, said:
“This is a huge achievement. I am immensely proud of the many hard working, dedicated practitioners, foster carers, managers and partners who work really hard every day to improve the lives of vulnerable children in the county. We are also committed to improving further and have confidence that we have the right plans in place achieve that.”
Councillor Tracey Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children and Families for Nottinghamshire County Council, said:
“Receiving an Ofsted rating of ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ leadership is a fantastic accomplishment. Supporting children and young people is our top priority and we aim for children and young people to be safe, cared for and have the best possible start in life.
“Children's services work is often very complex and our social workers and support staff do an amazing job day in, day out. I am delighted that their efforts have been recognised by Ofsted inspectors. It is so important we particularly recognise the work of the social workers for doing such transformative work every day to improve the lives of children and young people in our care.”
The report also highlighted areas where some improvements could be made, including the effectiveness of support to care leavers to access and sustain employment, education or training.
Councillor Taylor added: “While it is important to celebrate this outcome, we are ambitious to further improve wherever possible and there is no room for complacency. We will continue our efforts to ensure that every child in Nottinghamshire receives the best possible care.”