New recruits boost Herts County Council care for kids

EFFORTS to improve Herts County Council’s care of vulnerable children have been boosted by 30 new recruits.

The trainees have joined the authority’s ground-breaking programme for new social workers as it enters its second year.

The academy was launched last year by Lord Laming and follows the recommendations he made following the death of abused child Victoria Climbie that all newly qualified social workers (NQSWs) should be given thorough support and supervision during their first year to enable them to develop essential skills.

Last year’s recruits are now fully trained and have joined teams within the county’s children’s schools and families social work force.

This year’s 30 newly-qualified social workers with the academy will have reduced caseloads and supervision and training through each step of their first year with the authority.

Welcoming them, county council chief executive Caroline Tapster said: “I started my career in local government as a social worker and I only wish there was something like the academy back then.

“It was one of the most exciting and challenging times of my life but was also pretty difficult. It is so important that we recognise the need to support new social workers.”

Councillor Jane Pitman, executive member for children’s services said: “The new social workers will get a broad experience of all elements of social work and strong and robust supervision that is so important to make sure they are not overwhelmed. It’s a hugely skilful job working with families and keeping vulnerable children safe.

“The success of the academy is spreading nationally – and that’s demonstrated by the fact that we had 86 applicants from all over the country competing for 30 coveted places.”