Leeds has made significant improvements in services for vulnerable and at risk children and has laid the foundations to continue this success, according to the latest Ofsted report published today.
The inspection highlights considerable progress since concerns were raised during the last full inspection of safeguarding in July 2009, when services in the city were rated as ‘inadequate’. Following this, an improvement notice was issued by the government and an improvement board put in place to monitor progress. The latest inspection has found that
‘arrangements to ensure children are safeguarded are now secure’, it highlighted
‘significant progress in improving outcomes’.
Following the announced inspection last month, inspectors reported that five of the nine measures they assessed are now ‘good’, with the other four rated as adequate, none were inadequate. The city’s overall effectiveness in ensuring children are safe is ‘adequate’ – and on the key measure of the ‘capacity to improve’ further, the city is now rated as ‘good’.
The report also highlights the pride that staff feel in the improvements that have been made in Leeds, whilst recognising that there is no complacency and a shared focus on continuing to improve.
All of the organisations working with children and young people across the city have a responsibility to keep them safe and the report recognises that since 2009 this work has been given the highest priority. The inspection highlighted many improvements in the way partnership between different services works, especially in terms of shared responsibility, vision and priorities, and the overall understanding that in Leeds, ‘safeguarding is everyone’s business’.
The latest inspection which covers all children’s safeguarding practices in the city was carried out during 12 to 16 September. Inspectors spoke to a range of staff of all levels and considered evidence including electronic case records, supervision files and notes, and observation of social workers undertaking assessments and referrals. As part of the inspection it was noted that cases referred to children’s social care are dealt with quickly, and interventions are done promptly to keep children safe.
Councillor Judith Blake, executive board member responsible for children’s services and chair of the Leeds Children’s Trust Board, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved for the enormous effort that both children’s services and our partner agencies have put in to achieve this extremely positive inspection result.
“This report is very reassuring and confirms that the changes we have put in place really are already making a huge difference to the well-being and safety of children in Leeds, something reflected by the fact that the inspectors did not identify any children left at potential risk of harm, and no cases they reviewed were deemed to be inadequate.
“We already know how hard everyone involved in children’s safeguarding across all agencies have worked, and the passion and commitment they have shown to improve the prospects of the children and young people in Leeds.
“We know we must keep up these efforts to be even better and we already have actions in place to overcome the areas for development highlighted in the report. We are committed to ensuring that children and young people in Leeds have every possible opportunity to help shape the future direction of our services as we head towards our goal of becoming a Child Friendly City.”
Nigel Richardson, director of children’s services at Leeds City Council said: “Our staff have worked extremely hard in challenging circumstances to implement improvements to keep children and young people in Leeds safe from the risk of serious harm.
“We are very proud at what has been achieved since the last inspection, but we know that there is still a long way to go.
“It is very positive that the inspectors have recognised that, the foundations have been laid to ensure we can maintain this momentum. With the continued enthusiasm and drive from staff at all levels our services for vulnerable children will be the best that they can be.”
Inspectors noted that changes have been put in place to ensure children and young people are included in child protection conferences so their wishes and feelings are taken into account.
Nigel continued: “To continue heading in the right direction we have instilled the ethos in all our teams, that the voice of the child is at the heart of everything we do. Only by listening and responding to the voices of children and young people can we make sure the services we provide meet the needs of each individual child.”
John Lawlor, Chief Executive for NHS Leeds, said:“We welcome the findings of the report which demonstrates that real progress has been made to protect the most vulnerable children and young people living in Leeds.
“We are all committed to continuing this work as we strive towards providing the best children’s services in the country. “
Chief Superintendent Richard Jackson, Divisional Commander of the North East Leeds Policing Division and member of the Leeds Safeguarding Children’s Board, said:“While there is still work to do, the progress that has been made is testament to the hard work and dedication of a number of people who share a passion and a deep rooted sense of professionalism in protecting young and vulnerable people.
“We aim to build on this success over the coming years to ensure that we, as an organisation, learn from the lessons of the past as we continue to move forward and place ourselves in the best position to protect those in society that need us most.”
The report highlighted that significant progress has been made in laying the foundations for further improvement, “through the strength of leadership, the clear strategic direction that is shared by partners…and the additional capacity in the workforce”.
It also acknowledges that the improvement board which was set up after the last inspection has “very effectively overseen improvements”, and that significant financial investment has been made to increase the number of social workers, and to train and develop staff.
Amongst the other positive comments, the inspectors agreed that the Leeds Safeguarding Children Board is much improved and the independent chair has worked hard to ensure that all agencies are working together effectively on safeguarding issues.
The report also identified a number of areas for development including the ‘electronic social care record system’ which the report says impedes the recording process. The inspectors do acknowledge that enhancements in the IT system mean better reports are available for managers and senior councillors have already agreed to invest in a new IT system for children’s social care, to rectify this issue.
To further strengthen children’s services throughout the city some major developments are well underway. The changes that have already been implemented include significant appointments to strengthen the leadership of children’s services, including a new director and leadership team. A new structure is currently being implemented which will to make it easier for the different teams within children’s services to work together, particularly at a local level, and target support and resources to those young people who are most vulnerable.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:
Emma Whittell, Leeds City Council press office, on (0113) 2474713
Email: emma.whittell@leeds.gov.uk
