Ofsted upgrades Sutton Council’s children’s services to ‘adequate’

Ofsted rates Sutton Council’s children’s services as ‘adequate’ Ofsted rates Sutton Council’s children’s services as ‘adequate’

Sutton Council has seen a marked improvement in its children’s services following a damning report last year.

The council has welcomed the news after they were criticised last year following an inspection which uncovered “managerial oversight at all levels”.

Two days after the report was published last year, Stephen Richards, executive head of children and families, quit his job.

However, the latest report says children at risk of harm are protected through effective action and the quality of practice is improving – resulting in many people benefitting from an improved service and better outcomes.

A cross party statement from Lib Dem councillor Dave Callaghan, chairman of the council’s children, family and education committee, and opposition Tory councillor Jonathan Pritchard said: “This is a tribute to the hard work, dedication and commitment of everyone involved in children’s services and we are very proud of the progress we have made.

“However, we are very aware that there is still a great deal of work to do and we will use this improved rating as motivation to redouble our efforts in order to provide the best possible service to Sutton’s young people.”

The report praises the council’s establishment of the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) which manages all initial contacts with children’s social care services and the services which offer early intervention and support.

Ofsted rated the effectiveness of help and protection provided to youngsters and their families as adequate.

Sutton Council’s chief executive Niall Bolger said: “I would like to thank all the staff who have worked very, very hard to bring about these improvements to the service.

“They can take great pride in all they have done so far and I’m sure they will continue our work as we improve the service further.”