CQC
Lack of ‘clarity’ hampering child protection
Improvements in multi-agency leadership locally and cross-government strategy nationally are required, Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission have told an inquiry.
Starting from the wrong place?
The first White Paper on NHS reform in nearly a decade confirms England will be covered by statutory integrated care systems. Ann McGauran canvasses local government sector experts on the contents.
Steering care through crisis
The entire care market still faces massive challenges. As part of the National Audit Office investigation into care markets, we brought together some experts to debate the issues. Heather Jameson reports.
Redesign services for a COVID era, says CQC chief
The chief executive of the Care Quality Commission has called for services to be redesigned for a ‘COVID era’ that could last for many years.
Reading refuses to send COVID-19 patients to care homes
Reading Council is to defy a Government order to provide care home places for Covid-19 positive patients.
Advocacy services remain crucial despite COVID pressures
Councils must ensure social care providers understand that the legal obligations to refer to advocacy services remain fully in place during COVID, says Jonathan Senker.
Government prepares care homes for coronavirus surge
Councils will be asked to ‘take strong action’ against care homes that ignore new restrictions on movement as part of the Government’s winter plan for the sector.
A perfect storm for care homes
Councils must now strategically invest in services to help people stay in their own homes and negotiate jointly with their NHS partners to play a bigger role in modern nursing homes, says Iain MacBeath.
Criticised council makes SEND investment
Bristol City Council has pledged to spend £29m on capital works to boost services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
EXCLUSIVE: Deficit puts councils on cliff edge
Many councils could be pushed over the ‘financial cliff edge’ if the £500m of high-needs deficit faced by the sector is not written off, the Government has been warned.
MPs tell department to 'get a grip' on SEND
The Department for Education (DfE) does not have a grip on mounting pressure in the special educational needs and disability (SEND) system, a watchdog has found.
Care home deaths 'an appalling loss of life'
The latest statistics show there were 6,391 deaths in care homes between 10 April and 1 May.
Seven councils freed from Care Act duties
Seven English councils have taken advantage of temporary changes that allow them to reduce their Care Act duties as part of their response to coronavirus.
'No quick fixes' after watchdog criticism
Bristol City Council admitted there were ‘no quick fixes’ as it published a written statement of action in the wake of watchdog criticism.
Jenrick urges councils not to delay on coronavirus spending
Local government secretary Robert Jenrick this week urged council leaders not to put off decisions because of money in their response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Inspectors loosen their policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission have put mandatory routine inspections on hold in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unblocking the blocks
Reading has seen a 15% decrease in delayed discharges of care compared to last year. Seona Douglas outlines the key approaches she believes have made a difference.
Government departments: ‘adopt a national health and wellbeing board approach’
Poverty and inequality should be understood and tackled as a public health issue, says a new paper from the Association of Directors of Children’s Services. Ann McGauran reports
A positive response to a care home collapse in Cornwall
Cornwall Council’s decision to step in and buy a care home ensured some of the area’s most vulnerable residents avoided being moved out of the county and safeguarded 80 jobs, says Helen Charlesworth May.
MPs call for end to 'one-off' SEND inspections
Joint ‘one-off’ Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Ofsted inspections of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services should not continue, MPs have concluded.
