Plymouth’s care for vulnerable kids ‘is among best’

PLYMOUTH has been praised as one of the best cities in the country for looking after vulnerable children. With social services nationwide under increasing pressure in the wake of a number of high-profile child abuse cases, Government watchdogs have rated the city as “good” or “excellent” in all areas assessed.

The report by Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission shows a dramatic improvement since poor children’s services helped to make the council one of the worst-performing in the country in 2003.

Inspectors spent 40 days in the city this spring, collecting thousands of pages of files, facts and figures and speaking to hundreds of staff, managers, children and their parents.

Plymouth is one of the first cities in the country to receive overall ratings of “good” for both areas of the inspection, which has become much tougher since the case of Baby Peter, the murdered Haringey toddler.

The inspectors rated partnership working and leadership and management as “outstanding”, the top rank in a four-grade system. They said there was more work to be done on recording social care information and ensuring up-to-date care plans were in place for all children in care.

Vivien Pengelly, the council leader, said: “We understand that Plymouth’s report is one of if not the best in the country. This is a fantastic achievement for council staff and members, and all those working with children and young people across the city.

“I’d like to thank them all. It is fantastic that we have this opportunity to celebrate good news, as all too often there can be a focus on when things do not happen as we would like.”

Councillor Grant Monahan, the former Cabinet member for children and young people, said: “I have witnessed a steady and continuous improvement through teamwork, determination and many hours of hard work.”

The inspection involved all agencies working with children and young people in Plymouth including health, the police and the voluntary and community sectors, and in particular the council’s services for children and young people.

Bronwen Lacey, director of services for children and young people said: “While we can never be complacent, Ofsted is telling us that children in Plymouth are safer than when they last inspected us in this way in 2005.”

Inspectors praised the partnership between the various agencies, which was tested by the Vanessa George case.

Plymouth’s police commander, Chief Superintendent Andy Bickley, said: “While there is never any room for complacency, this report is a timely acknowledgement of the contribution and leadership shown by all the staff who work in this area.”

Paul O’Sullivan, director of joint commissioning and health services for children, young people and families for NHS Plymouth, said: “I am particularly pleased to see partnership working has been rated as outstanding.”

A copy of the full inspection report is available online at www.ofsted.co.uk