Council set to publish action plan on turning around child services slammed by Ofsted

AN action plan approved by BCP Council in response to serious criticism of its children’s services by Ofsted inspectors will be published later this month.

The authority announced the 15-point document had been agreed but told the A&T it would only be revealed on 27th January – the day after the next meeting of the children’s services overview and scrutiny committee.

It includes leadership changes, an urgent independent review of 60 complex cases, and staff retention initiatives, it said, but refused to release the plan publicly.

Cllr Mike White, cabinet member children’s services, said: “Providing the services our young people deserve is absolutely our top priority. The urgency and attention being given to the action plan reflects this.

“We have already delivered on a number of actions including new leadership roles, and we are completely committed to achieving the rest before the end of March.

The council and its senior leadership team have said they fully accepted the findings of the Ofsted report from November last year, and have provided significant financial help towards the cost of overcoming the failings.

Elaine Redding, corporate director for children’s services, said: “We know we have to improve rapidly if our services to local children and families are to meet the standards expected of us.

“We are working extremely hard to ensure we have a service fit for purpose to ensure brighter futures for all our young people.”

The council said it was working closely with the Department for Education on improvements within the service.