Borders Child Protection Services Praised

An inspectors’ report on child protection services in the Borders has said they are working well. HM Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) studied the quality of provision between October and November last year.

Services across the region were rated either good or very good in 16 out of 18 indicators.

Chief officers have been asked to prepare an action plan on how they will address the main recommendations contained within the report.

Inspectors found key strengths in areas including child protection procedures, recruitment, leadership and direction.

They also raised a number of priorities including improving systems for seeking the views of children on the impact of services.

The report has been welcomed by Dougie Watson, the independent chairman of the Borders’ Child Protection Committee.

“I am delighted for the staff who try so hard in often difficult circumstances to ensure that a high level of protection is delivered,” he said.

“But I am even more delighted for the service users, the children, young people and their families who are receiving a quality service from dedicated professionals.

“There is still much to do, obviously, but the findings of this report indicate quite clearly that child protection services being delivered within the Scottish Borders are among the best in the country.”