Children's services must improve again say Ofsted

Improvements still need to be made in Walsall's children's services department, Ofsted inspectors have said.

They have highlighted an immediate need to ensure social worker caseloads are manageable.

The overall effectiveness of arrangements to protect children in Walsall has been judged as 'adequate' in a recent inspection – a year after it was found to be failing.

Despite improvements, Ofsted inspectors have highlighted further areas of focus to boost the service further. These have been outlined in a new report published after a two-week inspection in June and July.

Some have been labelled as 'immediate needs', while others must be done within three months and some within six months.

'Immediate needs' include making sure children and young people are encouraged to participate in child protection conferences.

Inspectors also said action should be taken to 'improve stability' in the social workforce and reduce dependency on agency staff within three months.

The department also needs to demonstrate a better learning from complaints within three months.

Inspectors found that heavy caseloads made systems 'fragile' and cases may be delayed when workers are off sick.

Child protection plans were said to be adequate but some had clear, measurable targets while others did not.

It was noted that the senior management team had helped to drive forward front line improvements, supported by elected members, and staff morale had improved.

Council leader Mike Bird said the authority had shown a commitment to the people of Walsall and will go from strength to strength.

Councillor Barbara Cassidy, chair of the children and young people scrutiny panel and shadow lead member for the Labour group for children's services, welcomed the report but added: "Walsall Council needs to continue to strengthen its resolve."