Report of the Assistant Director of Children’s Services

The Assistant Director of Children’s Services submitted a report (previously circulated) to update Members on the Ofsted Inspection of Local Authority Children’s Services (ILACS) in Darlington.

It was reported that between 10 and 21 October 2022 a full inspection of Children’s Services in Darlington was completed by Ofsted and was the first inspection of this kind since 2018 when services were found to Require Improvement.

The inspection led to an overall grading for the service, as well as specific gradings for Help and Protection, Services to Children in Care and Care Leavers and for Leadership and Management.

It was reported that Good ratings were received for the impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families, the experiences and progress of children who need help and protection and overall effectiveness; and an Outstanding rating for the experiences and progress of children in care and care leavers.

Discussion ensued on the report and Members agreed that it was an excellent report recognising the strengths and improvement across all areas within Children’s Services and acknowledged the hard work since the last inspection to achieve the Good rating overall.

The Assistant Director of Children’s Services advised Members that timeliness of assessments and workforce stability and recruitment were priorities going forward and acknowledged Scrutiny feedback which continues to hold the service to account and help drive improvement.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the ILASC report and observations of the Ofsted Inspectors be noted.