We are working well with partner agencies to ensure that
vulnerable young people receive the best possible support when
needed.
A recent unannounced Ofsted inspection of part of children and
young people's services praised our strong working
relationship with the police and highlighted the effective nature
of the multi agency locality teams in helping children and young
people who need support.
The report was also praised at a meeting of the council's
Executive yesterday (20 July).
The multi agency locality teams include staff from North
Somerset Council, Connexions, North Somerset Primary Care Trust and
Weston Area Health Trust.
No areas for priority action were identified by the Ofsted
inspection.
Strengths highlighted in the report include:
- Lessons from serious case reviews are disseminated well to all
relevant staff through a series of events and workshops organised
by the Local Safeguarding Children Board.
- Case file audits are used effectively to monitor and improve
the quality of services provided.
Areas for development include:
- The quality of initial and core assessments is variable
although recent training initiatives are beginning to show an
improvement.
- A shortage of staff in long term teams results in some children
and young people not receiving a timely service.
The issue of staff shortages is already being addressed through
the recruitment of experienced social workers from abroad due to a
national shortage. Five Australian professionals started with the
council last month with a further two taking up posts in the
autumn.
Cllr Jeremy Blatchford, executive member with responsibility for
children and young people's services said he was delighted that
Ofsted had highlighted the good practice being carried out in North
Somerset.
"This is a fantastic achievement and to not receive any areas
for priority action is a clear indication that our vulnerable young
people are receiving a good service.
"We are also delighted to be praised for strong partnership
working. By working with our fellow agencies we can ensure that
young people who need our help are identified at an early stage and
are given the support they need, when they need it the most.
"I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and for
their commitment to the young people of North
Somerset."
