Hertfordshire County Council’s Children’s Services department has been given an “Outstanding” rating for overall effectiveness following an unannounced inspection by Ofsted in January. This is an improvement on the ranking of “Good” which the council had been given four years ago, and is the highest classification available. The review places Hertfordshire Children’s Services among the best in the country.
The Ofsted inspection targeted the services available for children needing help and protection, children in care and care leavers, as well as leadership and management. The report found that children and young people received high-quality care and support, and that this was viewed as a priority by the Council’s leaders. The skill and commitment of social workers and other child-care practitioners received high praise, and they were commended for the positive relationships they enjoyed with children in their care. The report noted that staff enjoyed working for Hertfordshire Children’s Services, and that managers emphasised the need to help children reach their full potential.
The report by Ofsted praised the quality of the work to assess children’s individual needs, as well as the multi-disciplinary approach used. Early identification and intervention helped to reduce the number of children taken into care. Where possible the stated aim was for a child to return home as soon as this was a practical option. Children at risk of serious harm or who were experiencing domestic abuse received a prompt response, whilst separated migrant children were offered consistent levels of support. Allegations against adults who work with children were addressed promptly. Children in foster care were generally able to live in long-term, stable homes, which they shared with their brothers and sisters whenever possible.
You can read the Ofsted report Inspection of Hertfordshire local authority children’s services
The Children Law department at Bretherton Law have been helping families in Hertfordshire for over 50 years, offering professional, experienced and sympathetic advice to those in need. We are proud to be accredited by the Law Society in Children Law, and are members of Resolution, the organisation representing family lawyers and other professionals in the field.
Contact us on 01727 869293, or use the contact form on this page.
