Ofsted finds 'small number of Stoke-on-Trent children exposed to continued risk'

Some vulnerable children in Stoke-on-Trent have spent their whole lives facing repeat interventions by social services due to 'poor social work practice' and 'ineffective planning', inspectors have found. Ofsted carried out a focused visit at Stoke-on-Trent City Council's children's service, after the department was rated as 'requires improvement to be good' in 2022.

The inspectors found that while there had been some progress over the last two years, there is still 'some variability in the quality of practice'. The visit, at the start of October, focused on the arrangements for children in need or those subject to protection plans, as well as the support for private fostering.

Ofsted found that most children received the right level of support and protection, with cases being stepped up or down appropriately. But with some youngsters, the inspectors found that their cases were closed too quickly without ongoing risks being taken into account, resulting in 'repeat interventions over sustained periods'.

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A 'very small number' of children have been subject to four or more child protection plans in their lives.

In her report, inspector Rebekah Tucker states: "Plans for these children have not been driven forward due to poor social work practice, ineffective planning, an absence of challenge through the child protection procedures and inconsistent management oversight and supervision.

"This means that a very small number of children and their families have been exposed to continued risk and repeat social work interventions throughout their lives. For some, this has been for all of their lives."

Ms Tucker said that senior leaders were not aware of these issues at the time of the visit, but took immediate action while inspectors were on site.

But in the majority of cases, the inspectors found that services responded well to increased risks, with 'timely and comprehensive' assessments and multi-agency decision-making that captured 'the voice of children'. The inspectors also recognised that services for children are a 'high priority' for the council's senior leadership team, with strong political support and a 'clear strategic improvement plan', although they said it is too soon to see the full impact of this.

In relation to private fostering, Ofsted found that children were having their needs met, with assessments 'timely and appropriately detailed'. But there was also variability in the frequency and quality of supervision of social workers.

The inspectors also highlighted the high vacancy rates for social worker posts and the council's reliance on agency staff. Council leaders have plans to improve recruitment and retention, which will include improved pay.

Ms Tucker's report lists four specific areas that need to improve:

• The frequency of visits to children on child protection plans, ensuring that, where appropriate, children are seen alone.

• The quality of management oversight of children on long-term and multiple child protection plans.

• The quality and frequency of supervision.

• The quality and impact of the audit function on practice improvement and the level of quality assurance activity undertaken.

Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for children’s services, said the report showed the council was heading in the right direction, but acknowledged that there was still work to do.

She said: "It's great to see that Ofsted inspectors saw that children in the city are receiving support and protection and that our teams are making a positive difference and improving children’s outcomes. The outcomes of our last two inspections highlighted these as critical areas where we needed to improve to keep children safe so it’s really good to see that this improvement work has been successful.

"We are working incredibly hard to support children in the city and ensure that as many as possible have safe, secure and loving homes. We will, of course, always continue to strive to be even better. We will be taking on board the feedback from Ofsted about areas where can improve further. Our ambition is for the whole service to be assessed as 'good' when Ofsted returns for a full inspection next year."