Surrey’s children’s services ‘only meet minimum requirements’

SURREY County Council’s children’s services “only meet minimum requirements” according to a surprise Ofsted inspection – and immediate action has been demanded.

The education watchdog heavily criticised the service in 2008 and downgraded the council from a three star rating down to one star, branding it “inadequate”.

But despite improvements, including significant changes in management and a re-organisation of the department, an Ofsted report published Monday last week found failures of communication.

Admitting further improvement was needed, council leader Dr Andrew Povey said: “We are committed to openness and transparency and I feel it is right that local taxpayers should be able to read this report.

“It is pleasing that the inspectors have recognised the steady, sustained progress made since 2008 in ensuring the safety of vulnerable and looked after children in Surrey.

“Their care is of paramount importance to the council and to our partner agencies and only the highest standards in all areas will be acceptable to us.

“More can be done and will be done to improve services to children, particularly by making sure we all work better together. We won’t rest until all children in Surrey are receiving outstanding services.”

The report follows an inspection by four of Her Majesty’s Inspectors, and one inspector from the Care Quality Commission, between September 7 and 17.

During the inspection, 48 children and young people, and 29 parents and carers were interviewed, together with council staff.

Surrey was graded as being adequate for overall effectiveness, having adequate service responsiveness including complaints, and having adequate case planning, review and recording.

But concerns were expressed after services to ensure young people are healthy were judged “inadequate”.

Lead inspector Pietro Battista said: “Too few of the cases seen by inspectors provided evidence of an annual health assessment, the use of the strengths and difficulties questionnaires as part of the health assessments, or the follow up of action plans.

“Staff report that they are confused about who is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the action plan.”

And he identified immediate action was required in key areas, including better informing children about how to complain, and ensuring police officers are consistently, promptly available for discussions with Surrey Safeguarding Children Board.

Reigate-based solicitor June Venters QC, a childcare law specialist, said problems in Surrey were symptomatic of a wider, national, problem and required more money spent on them.

She said: “It’s a serious situation, and sadly I think it’s reflective of the position across the country.

“Our social services are under pressure, and there isn’t a quick fix – child protection is something that requires considerable resources and we all need to acknowledge that.”