I’m delighted to have this opportunity to communicate with you in my new role as Ofsted’s National Director for Social Care. With week 1 under my belt, I’d like to talk a bit about what matters most to me and …
Today we published our annual fostering data: ‘Fostering in England – 2016-17’. As ever, we are grateful to all the agencies and local authorities for the time they have taken to collect and share their data with us. Not only …
This week I went to the National Learning Conference, part of the Government’s Social Work Innovation Programme - a great event to be part of. What struck me was the large number of social work practitioners attending, and not just …
In September, Ofsted, along with fellow inspectorates for health, police and probation, published a joint report about domestic abuse. ‘The response to children living with domestic abuse - Prevent, protect and repair’ took a close look at how local agencies …
Too often news about the state of children’s social care makes for worrying reading. A sector beset by many challenges, it usually only makes the news when things go wrong. At Ofsted, we have been clear about what needs to …
Today [29 November 2017] saw the publication of the Inspection of Local Authorities (ILACS) framework. This is the culmination of almost two years of hard work by my social care colleagues in Ofsted, to whom I am greatly indebted. What …
It’s National Care Leavers week (25 October – 03 November), a great campaign that quite rightly focuses the attention of professionals and politicians on this important group of young people. It’s timely then that we talk about what matters most …
Back in 2010 Professor Eileen Munro said that social workers have one of the most difficult jobs in the world. When she started her government review of child protection, Eileen suggested that social workers should spend less time in front …
Let's talk some numbers. Domestic abuse claims the lives of 2 women a week. There are an estimated 6.5 million adults who have suffered domestic abuse. And police in England recorded 421,000 domestic abuse crimes last year. What that means …
Children’s homes play such an important part in some children’s lives. So I want to talk to you today about the fact that there are many homes that are doing a fantastic job for children. Earlier this year, Ofsted visited …
Most of us who work in children’s services recognise that there have to be national standards for children in care. From January 2018 our approach will be carefully focused to draw out the best, and help people to see where …
GOV.UK