Findings of report into children’s services in Derbyshire revealed

OFSTED has inspected services for children in Derbyshire and rated them ‘good’. The report looked at how well children in the county are kept safe and the quality of services for looked-after children and care leavers.

Inspectors visited the authority for two weeks in March aand interviewed children receiving services, parents and carers, staff from Derbyshire County Council and health services, community representatives and the chairman of the local safeguarding children board.

They also examined reviews of case files for children with various needs, reports from previous inspections and information about the Children and Young People’s Plan, and performance data.

Councillor Barry Lewis, the county’s council’s cabinet member for young people, said: “We’re pleased Government inspectors have recognised the quality of the services provided for children and families in Derbyshire.

“This positive report reflects the hard work and commitment of our staff, alongside our partners in the private and voluntary sectors, to give all Derbyshire’s youngsters the start in life that they deserve.”

Inspectors said the authority should continue to develop the quality of care planning and assessment in social work, education achievement for looked-after children and mental health services for children.