Ofsted published its report into Haringey Council’s Children’s Services, following a recent inspection.
The inspection team recognised the progress Haringey has made – and continues to make – in delivering children’s social care. They also identified areas where improvements could still be made. As a result, the service received a ‘requires improvement’ rating.
The report described staff and managers in children’s services as “ambitious for children and young people” and “tenacious in their efforts to support them.” It said that substantive improvements have been made in the provision of services for children who need help and protection, through the multi-agency safeguarding hub. The inspectors highlighted how the appointment of a new permanent director for children’s services in April this year has led to a “step change” in the pace and focus of improvement.
In areas where improvements are needed, the report said in many cases managers were aware of shortfalls and plans were being put in place.
Bruce Grove Youth Space was singled out for praise, with the inspector hailing the “wide range of effective universal and targeted support, facilitated by highly motivated and skilled workers.” Services for care leavers were also described as a “significant strength.”
Haringey’s Children’s Services was last inspected in 2014, and received a ‘requires improvement’ grading.
Cllr Elin Weston, Haringey Council Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Families, said:
“We welcome the findings of the recent Ofsted inspection.We’re pleased that the inspectors highlighted a number of examples of good practice at Haringey and recognised that a number of improvements have already been made. In particular, the inspectors recognised the work of our incredibly dedicated, ‘ambitious’ social workers and described them as tenacious in their efforts to support young people. The inspector also noted that there has been an increase in pace and a new focus on making the changes needed to the service, following the appointment of our new permanent director.
Ofsted also set out areas for further work. We wholeheartedly take on board the recommendations the inspectors made and we remain committed to giving all of Haringey’s children the very best start in life. We are already taking steps to address many of the challenges that were highlighted in the report. Work is also underway on a detailed action plan that will set out how we will meet all of the recommendations and our dedicated staff will continue to work tirelessly with partners to achieve this.”
The Ofsted report highlighted:
- Experienced and well-trained staff carefully oversee decisions so that children are effectively safeguarded
- Staff show a high level of concern, tenacity and care to build trusting relationships with young people
- Inspectors found that the lives of some young people had become more stable and “less risky” because of the support they received
- Inspectors were impressed by the efforts made by social workers to develop relationships with children who have had difficult experiences
- Senior leaders are committed and visible and inspectors were impressed with the committed and capable staff who they met during the inspection
The full report is available on the Ofsted website (external link)
