Scrutiny to discuss safeguarding report

A Shropshire Council scrutiny committee is to discuss ways to further strengthen work taking place to protect children from harm and build on a recent report which found that “safeguarding and child protection are given the highest priority” in the county. 

Ofsted (the Office for Standards in Education, children’s services and skills) carried out an unannounced inspection in December 2012 to look at how the council and partners help keep children and young people safe. 

The council’s Safe and Confident Communities Scrutiny Committee will meet on Wednesday 6 February 2013 to consider the findings of the report, and the proposed action plan which has been developed to progress the recommendations made by inspectors. 

The report, published on 8 January 2013, said: “The council and partners are working together to ensure that appropriate action is being taken to identify and protect children and young people from significant harm.  Safeguarding awareness within the council and partners is strong, leading to appropriate action to protect children and families where there are significant concerns.” 

Inspectors found there were no cases where children and young people were felt to be at immediate risk. 

They praised the way “targeted support, including parenting programmes, is resulting in positive change”, adding that systems are in place within the council and partners to ensure that when children and young people at risk of harm are identified, “steps are taken to respond quickly to their needs”. 

Shropshire Council was among seven councils judged to be adequate in the 13 inspections of arrangements for the protection of children across the country, up to the date of the inspection.  Five inadequate and one good rating were also awarded. 

The action plan looks at areas recommended for improvement, including setting out plans and decisions in clearer ways, ensuring due regard is taken of previous history and making sure everyone is clear about what is expected of them.  It was also proposed that children and young people play a more active role in the priorities of Shropshire’s Safeguarding Children Board, which brings together organisations that work with children and young people to keep them safe from harm. 

Actions have already been taken, such as putting in place a revised management structure for early help, initial contact and initial assessment services.  Further actions outlined in the plan include improving current systems for recording cases. 

Joyce Barrow, Chairman of the Safe and Confident Communities Scrutiny Committee, said:

“We will be looking at the report and action plan in detail to make sure that the examples of effective work highlighted by inspectors are replicated at every opportunity. 

“We will also discuss where the council can learn and improve further, which is an important part of the committee’s role. 

“I have already met with David Taylor, Corporate Director – People, and I am pleased that steps were taken immediately in response to the recommendations made. 

“By scrutinising the further actions planned, we can help to ensure they are the most appropriate and best ways to strengthen our services for children and young people.” 

To read the report in full click here.