Ofsted has confirmed that Croydon is making progress in improving services for children and young people.
During a monitoring visit carried out at the start of this month (October), inspectors found that social workers ‘show a high degree of commitment to the children they work with and they are proud of each child’s achievements’.
Ofsted has published feedback from the visit on its website today, and it can be read in full here.
The visit was the fourth in the programme of monitoring visits Croydon will have during its improvement journey since the Ofsted judgement last September.
Inspectors focused on the service for all children in the care of the local authority, including those recently in care and those who have been in care for longer than 12 months.
They found ‘most children are well placed and benefit from secure and stable placements. The core components of effective social work practice for children in care are in place.’
Children ‘are visited frequently, and they have an appropriate care plan. The majority of children’s records contain helpful case summaries and clear case notes that broadly reflect their wishes and feelings.’
Inspectors also noted improvements to the ‘ambitious’ service the council offers young people leaving care and that it is ‘benefiting from the importance that has been placed on it’.
Areas highlighted for improvement included delays in formally matching children with adopters and permanent carers, and the council will be tackling this as a priority.
“I’m pleased Ofsted has recognised that we are making progress in improving our services for children and young people, and that they have noted the high level of commitment among our social workers to achieving the best for the children they work with. It’s also positive that they agree that we have strengthened management oversight across the service.
“As is to be expected at this stage in our improvement journey, significant work is still required. We absolutely want all our children and young people to receive high-quality services, and share inspectors’ view that we need to ensure this happens more consistently in all service areas. They have recognised that we are aware of the improvements that need to be made and delivering these continues to be a priority for the leadership of this council.”
Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning
Croydon Council recently appointed a permanent executive director for children, families and education. Robert Henderson takes up his post in November.
