Child protection ‘good’ in Bristol

Child protection services in Bristol are good, according to an inspection report. The regulator Ofsted introduced the checks for safeguarding in June last year.

Bristol is the first large city in England and Wales to receive the good rating.

A council spokesman said the findings were a tribute to hard work by social services, health professionals, police and volunteers.

The inspection examined the effectiveness of services including health, schools, the police and the voluntary sector in protecting vulnerable children and helping those in care to have a good life start.

Among the aspects highlighted as good were that all social worker posts were filled by permanent qualified staff, and that there were no external agency staff.

‘Improving services’

Council leader Barbara Janke said: “These are high profile, high priority and complex services.

“It is a reflection of the great professionalism, dedication and hard work of Bristol’s child care social workers, and that of our partners, that the report is so positive.”

Annie Hudson, director for children, young people and skills, added: “There is much that everyone working in these services should feel proud of.

“That said, we can’t ever be complacent when it comes to safeguarding children. We are very committed to continuously improving services.

“The report notes that some social worker case loads are too high and, to address this, recruitment is under way for additional child care social workers.”