Stoke-on-Trent's children's services management 'inconsistent'

Stoke-on-Trent has about 1,100 children in care, which is believed to be the highest on record

Improvements need to be made to the management of children's services in Stoke-on-Trent, Ofsted inspectors say.

Management oversight of the city council's early permanence provision, for children aged 10 and under, is "inconsistent", they said in a report.

Managers were also not recording "important decisions" for some children and working practices "did not provide clear accountability".

Inspectors also said there were "missed opportunities to gain family feedback".

But the report, which followed a focused visit in October, said the service had improved since it was rated as "requires improvement to be good" last year.

Council leader Jane Ashworth has previously said the increasing cost of children's services was partly responsible for a budget shortfall of more than £10m.

'Security and stability'

Last May, figures revealed the city had about 1,100 children in care, the highest number on record.

The inspectors' report though said more children were "achieving security and stability" in permanent homes and adoption work was highlighted as a strength.

Social workers were also praised for knowing their children well and taking time to get to know families.

Reacting to the report, councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for children's services, said: "I am thrilled that Ofsted has found that we continue to make progress in securing permanent homes for children at the earliest opportunity.

"We are working incredibly hard to support children in the city and ensure that as many as possible have safe, secure and loving homes."

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