Council agrees plan to improve children's services

The council said it had gathered feedback from the experiences of children, young people and families

A new three-year plan has been agreed to improve children's services in Plymouth, the city council has said.

The "Achieving Excellence" plan, which was formally agreed by Plymouth City Council on Monday, outlines 10 key priorities to improve education, skills and health.

The council said it gathered feedback from the experiences of children, young people and families for the plan.

Councillor Jemima Laing, cabinet member for children's social care, said there was a "clear route" to improve services.

'Fulfil their potential'

It found areas it needed to improve on were the quality of management oversight and decision-making, providing a more consistent service for disabled children, and improving the management of complaints against professionals.

A key focus was early intervention to make sure services were in place to support those who needed it "as soon as they need it", the council said.

According to the report, it was essential to make sure all children and their families benefited from "seamless, timely and appropriate early help".

The authority also needed to improve on making sure allegations made against professionals were "managed well or well-recorded", as well as providing a consistent service for disabled children, the report said.

'Empowered to thrive'

The council said the development of family hubs would expand the support that had previously been provided by the children's centres.

Ms Laing said: "This new strategic plan sets out a clear route for us to transform and improve, working collaboratively with partners to ensure that children, young people and their families receive the help they need at the right time, so they are empowered to thrive and fulfil their potential."