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Integrated children’s systems – what local authorities have told us
Integrated children’s systems – what local authorities have told us
Yvette Stanley discusses the importance of effective Integrated Children's Systems (ICSs).
Effective written agreements
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 …
Social care - an improving picture
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 …
A new inspection system
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 …
Care leavers – Front and centre in new inspections
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 …
Process still matters in social work – but not as much as outcomes
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 …
We need to talk about domestic abuse
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 …
Inspecting children’s homes: progress matters
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 …
More dialogue and less focus on plans – local authority children’s services inspections from 2018
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 …
Do it for the child, not Ofsted
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 …
Culture creators and great managers
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, …