Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of Children and Families presenting the findings of the recent Ofsted inspection of Leeds local authority Children’s Services carried out between 21st February to 4th March 2022. A copy of the full inspection report is attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report presenting the findings of the recent Ofsted inspection of Leeds’ Local Authority Children’s Services which had been carried out between 21st February to 4th March 2022. A copy of the full inspection report was appended to the submitted report for Members’ consideration.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member highlighted the Council’s significant achievement of maintaining its ‘Outstanding’ judgement following the recent Ofsted inspection of Leeds local authority children’s services, particularly given the unprecedented challenges which had been faced as a result of the pandemic. The Executive Member then provided the Board with a detailed overview of the inspection’s outcomes and it was underlined that the Council would not become complacent in light of this judgement, with emphasis being placed on the fact that outstanding did not mean perfection. It was also noted that senior leadership would develop an improvement plan based upon the inspection’s findings and work with the Children and Families Scrutiny Board on the implementation of that plan was intended.  In conclusion, the Executive Member paid tribute to and thanked the Director of Children and Families, together with his team of staff for their continued dedication to the children of Leeds, with it being highlighted that this ‘Outstanding’ outcome was a testimony to their efforts. Members of the Board and the Chief Executive echoed the Executive Member’s thanks to the officers across the Children and Families directorate.

In considering the report, Members welcomed the Executive Member’s comments about not becoming complacent and highlighted the importance of remaining vigilant in the protection of children, and also looked forward to further innovation and improvement in appropriate service areas to build upon that which had already been achieved.

Members highlighted that whilst the priority would always be the wellbeing of children in Leeds, there were benefits for the service in the sharing of best practice with other Authorities, where appropriate.

Responding to a specific enquiry, the Board received an update on the next steps in relation to a review into the notification of serious child safeguarding incidents following previous consideration of this matter by the Children and Families Scrutiny Board, with it being noted that a report was intended to be submitted from the Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership Review Advisory Group to the Scrutiny Bord in due course.

In response to a further enquiry, the Board received information on the range of actions being taken to address the impact upon Leeds arising from the national challenge currently faced in relation to social worker shortages which resulted in higher case loads. This was in addition to the information which had been provided on such matters by the Executive Member as part of her introductory comments.

In conclusion, the Executive Member provided an overview of the improvements which had been made following the Ofsted visit in 2021, which were reflected in the most recent Ofsted outcomes. It was also highlighted how a lot of Leeds practice was being recognised nationally. Finally, the Executive Member reiterated her thanks, on behalf of the Board, to the staff across the Children and Families directorate.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, in particular OfSTED’s recognition that Leeds has maintained a relentless focus on prioritising services and support to children and families, be noted;

(b)  That it be noted that Leeds has maintained its ‘Outstanding’ rating and will address the identified areas for improvement;

(c)  That the Board’s appreciation and thanks be formally recorded, for the following:-

·  Front line staff and managers whose often challenging day to day work has made such a difference to the lives of children and families in Leeds;

·  Elected Members and senior officers of the Council who have prioritised children despite significant challenges arising from the Covid-19 Pandemic and 12 years of austerity and cuts to Local Government funding;

·  The support of our partners, third sector colleagues, businesses and communities across the city who have supported this work through Child Friendly Leeds, which enters its tenth year in 2022;

(d)  That it be noted that the officer responsible for the implementation of such matters is the Director of Children and Families.