Lincolnshire children’s services rated ‘outstanding’

Lincolnshire County Council’s children’s social care services were rated ‘outstanding’ after an inspection by Ofsted.

The services for children and families in Lincolnshire was given the highest possible rating after an inspection in May.

In addition to the ‘outstanding’ rating, other key points in the report included the response and support that disabled children receive in Lincolnshire being very strong.

It was also noted that there is a clear commitment to do the best for children and children in care receive an outstanding service from workers.

Ofsted found foster carers are well trained and supported whilst the vision of ‘putting children first’ is shared throughout the workforce. Children’s views are also central to assessments and safety planning.

The report also states that children in care and care leavers benefit from timely support with their emotional and mental health.

Executive Councillor for Children’s Services, Councillor Patricia Bradwell, said: “We are officially rated one of the best children’s services in the country which is a tremendous accolade and just reward for the commitment of staff, partners and all those children and families who work with us to make our support so effective.

“We support some of the most vulnerable young people in the county as a key priority and this proves we are doing the right things at the right time to ensure our services for children are the best they can be.”

Two areas of improvement were highlighted in the report:

• The quality and consistency of support and advice to children and vulnerable adolescents who may go missing, present as homeless or who are at risk of exploitation
• The quality and consistency of pathway plans for care leavers.

Councillor Bradwell added: “This is a proud moment for all of us but it’s important that we don’t become complacent and let things slip. As with any inspection report, there are always things where we can improve still further and we’ll be targeting areas where our practice can be even better to ensure children and young people get the best start in life”.

Ofsted’s national director for social care Yvette Stanley added: “This is a magnificent achievement, which reflects the hard work and tenacity of all those working in children’s services at Lincolnshire County Council.

“Steps taken by the council, including investment in high-quality early help, are making a positive difference to the lives of children and families across Lincolnshire. I’d like to congratulate all those that contributed to this achievement.”