One of the best parts of my job is when we get to acknowledge and celebrate good social care practice. And no more so than when we give a judgement of outstanding to highlight the excellent work leaders and social …
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 …
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 …
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 …
No one ever became a social worker because they wanted to fill out forms. I’m sure, like me, you work in children’s services because you care about children who need help. Always through no fault of their own. Yes, it …
Good leaders are simultaneously culture creators and great managers. They know what systemic good practice looks like, both in principle and in people’s day to day work. They can combine their knowledge of how the system works, and could improve, …
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