Children’s services in Bridgend to produce improvement plan following inspection

Bridgend County Borough Council is to produce an improvement plan for its children’s services in response to an inspection report published by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW).

Although no widespread or serious failures that left children harmed or at risk of harm were identified by inspectors, there were problems surrounding the quality of threshold screening, assessments and care & support planning was found to be inconsistent.

Inspectors also said children, young people and families hadn’t been consulted about changes to services developments, following the inspection in January and February this year. Additionally, there were no leaflets nor materials available to the public about the range of services available or how to access them.

It was noted that senior managers were already taking steps to look at the impact services are having on reducing need and risk. Also, the local authority was undergoing significant change while implementing the Social Services and Well-Being (Wales) Act 2014.

The council was also working hard to transform services while making savings, the report found.

The CSSIW recommended the local authority listen more to the views of children and families when shaping services. Inspectors also called for a focus on how the council can retain staff for longer and ensure more timely recruitment of experienced staff.

The improvement plan for children’s services will be monitored as part of the CSSIW programme of engagement to ensure the recommendations are introduced.

To download the full report, visit: Inspection of Children’s Services: Bridgend County Borough Council