Scrutiny order for children's services lifted

Blackpool's children’s services department were previously rated inadequate

Further recognition has been made of improvements to a town's children’s care services with the lifting of a government directive.

Blackpool Council was issued with a statutory direction by the Department for Education (DfE) after an Ofsted inspection in December 2018 - meaning the department would keep the authority under close scrutiny.

The report found the children’s services department was inadequate with some children suffering "chronic neglect".

Since then there has been an overhaul of the department and additional investment of £4m, which has mainly been spent on recruitment of more than 100 social workers, the council said.

'Hard work'

The DfE directive has now been lifted on the understanding children’s social care services remain a key council priority.

David Johnston, minister for children, families and wellbeing, said in a letter to the council: “Over what has been a challenging period, I am glad to hear of the financial investment in children’s social care services, the strengthening of leadership and the stabilising of the council’s workforce.”

Councillor Jim Hobson, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I am delighted that the minister has recognised all of the improvements that have been made and removed the revised statutory direction.

“Credit must go to our dedicated, ambitious and committed workforce. It is clear to see that their hard work is paying off.”

The decision relates only to children’s social care services, and means the council will continue to be overseen by the DfE on special educational needs and disabilities services.

Following a further inspection in December 2022, the overall service was rated as requires improvement, but included a good rating for the experiences of children in care and care leavers.

The letter from Mr Johnston added: “Across the last four years, there has been a clear whole council commitment to prioritising children’s social care services and improvements were noted in Ofsted’s most recent children’s services inspection.

“The council has maintained the pace of progress in the ensuing period, targeting work in the improvement areas identified.

“I am satisfied that leaders and social workers in Blackpool are ambitious in their desire to further embed and build upon improvements to date.”