FtSE Member News: Barnardo's - Landmark reform for failing children’s services

The Government has announced plans to take over failing children’s services in England.

Under the new system, children’s services that have persistently failed Ofsted inspections in the past will be taken over immediately. Those found to be under-performing recently will have six months to turn around or be taken over.

Either other local authorities delivering good children’s services or teams of experts and major charities, including Barnardo’s, will step in to run those services.

The Westminster Government proposals also include £100 million to attract graduates into social work; working with charities to help deliver innovative children’s services; and a new What Works Centre, to make sure social workers learn from the best practice.

Barnardo’s chief executive Javed Khan says:

“We need to ensure we have the best possible services across the UK to support children and families, especially those who are most vulnerable. There must be options, where it is best for the child, to use the expertise of the voluntary sector to complement those already in place.

“We want to work with local authorities and others in local communities to ensure the best outcomes for children. We clearly welcome the opportunity to share our learning from developing and delivering services for children, particularly where we've worked in strategic partnerships with local authorities, to ensure effective solutions can be implemented.”

Source:
http://www.barnardos.org.uk/news/Landmark_reform_for_failing_children8217s_services/latest-news.htm?ref=112201

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