Inspectors praise council children's services

Southend-on-Sea City Council's children's services were rated as good, up from requires improvement

The rating for children's services in Southend-on-Sea has been upgraded to good by Ofsted inspectors.

The government watchdog said "many vulnerable children and their families" were benefiting and "considerable improvement was evident".

Inspectors previously rated the department as requires improvement in 2016 and again in 2019.

Labour councillor Laurie Burton said all staff, including foster carers, had "worked hard to instil positive change".

"This is a fantastic achievement," said Mr Burton, who is the cabinet member for children, young people and special education needs and disabilities.

The Ofsted report, published earlier, found:

• Social workers speak with warmth and knowledge about the children and families they support

• "Commendable work" was done to "minimise risk" of children and parents affected by domestic abuse

• Identifying missing children in education was "robust and child-centred"

Inspectors said many children living with foster carers were in "stable homes with loving carers who are committed to look after them through to adulthood".

The watchdog said one child in foster care told its staff: "My foster carer has been amazing.

"She has taught me to become a child again, which means I now feel able to learn how to become an adult."

Labour cabinet member Laurie Burton said improvements were still needed in the "corporate parenting area", which was linked to a high turnover in staff

But the report noted that "some children are waiting far too long to be matched with permanent carers and adopters".

This meant some children had to move between homes, which impacted their "sense of belonging and security".

Other areas Southend has to improve is the council's response to 16 and 17 year olds who are homeless, and the speed and consistency of planning for children in care.

Mr Burton added: "We are also aware of where improvements are needed within the corporate parenting area, with much of this linked to a high turnover of staff that is being addressed, with new permanent members of staff starting soon."

In October, the neighbouring local authority of Thurrock Council had its children's services rated as outstanding.