Essex children’s services are no longer regarded as ‘failing’

ESSEX children’s services department has been released from two years of constant supervision by the Government after making improvements.

The education ministry has lifted the supervision Essex has been under since 2009, made to ensure the failing department would improve measures to safeguard the most vulnerable children in the county.

Services in Essex were branded “inadequate” by watchdog Ofsted for three years – on a par with Haringey social services, where a furore erupted over the death of Baby P.

But the county council social services department, which was inspected by Ofsted again this winter, is now regarded as “adequate”.

The council has had to hold weekly teleconferencing with Government officials and monthly face-to-face talks.

But Tim Loughton MP, Minister for Children, has written to Essex leader Councillor Peter Martin, telling him the supervision has ended.

Essex children’s chief, Councillor Sarah Candy, said: “This recognition is particularly rewarding for staff and partners who have worked so hard to ensure progress.”

Essex children’s director Dave Hill said: “No longer being under Government intervention sends a very strong signal to residents and partner organisations that we are serious in our commitment to improve the care provided to children.”