Children
In high need of a funding solution
Over the last few years, much progress has been made to highlight the growing pressures in both children’s services and schools funding for councils.
Edinburgh lashes out at partner managing schools
Edinburgh City Council’s chief executive has lashed out at a partner for failing to address safety concerns two years after schools in the city were gripped with fear about faulty construction.
MHCLG alone cannot ease funding pressures, says NAO
The National Audit Office (NAO) has insisted all government departments need to work towards finding solutions to local authority funding pressures, not just Marsham Street.
Government bails out overspending Kingston
Kingston Upon Thames LBC has been handed £4.3m funding from the Department for Education (DfE) to help control large overspends on children with special educational needs (SENs).
Don't scrap IROs, shadow minister warns
Scrapping independent reviewing officers could open the floodgates to child abuse, the shadow children's minister has warned.
Thomas to replace Quirk at Lewisham
The man who helped turn around Rotherham’s children’s services has been recommended by Lewisham LBC to become the council's new chief executive.
Scottish Government accused of 'deflection tactics'
Councils have accused the Scottish Government of using ‘deflection tactics’ after a top minister urged them to get on board with childcare plans.
Proactive ways to protect our kids
Merran McRae provides a comprehensive checklist for chief executives who want to keep their eye on the way their children’s services are being delivered.
Groundbreaking review praises Leeds
Leeds City Council’s services for children in care have been praised following a ground-breaking review by Ofsted.
Operation sanctuary: lessons to be learned
A serious case review into sexual exploitation in Newcastle has revealed a raft of learning for public bodies, national government and society. Sam Clayden speaks to the reports’ author and the agencies involved.
'A lot' of councils failing to look for widespread sexual exploitation
Local authorities are not looking hard enough – or simply not willing – to uncover widespread systematic sexual exploitation of children and vulnerable adults, the author of an independent report has warned.
'Positive shift in morale and culture' at inadequate council
Ofsted inspectors have reported a ‘positive shift in the morale and culture’ of Worcestershire CC’s workforce just over a year after it was rated inadequate.
Government to appoint commissioner to failing Bucks
The Government has announced plans to send a commissioner to Buckinghamshire CC to turn around the authority’s long-failing children’s services.
Scotland: Government underestimated childcare funds
The Scottish Government has severely underestimated the money councils will need to fund the planned increased provision of childcare, the Accounts Commission has warned.
Council investment after inadequate rating
Gloucestershire CC has invested in staff, casework reduction and administration amid warnings the pace of improvements to its children’s services is too slow.
Service provision is healthy but not sustainable, warns report
Scottish councils will find it difficult to provide services at their current level, new data published by the Improvement Service has predicted.
Children's services to be slashed over coming year, new research reveals
More than 50% of councils analysed in new research plan to cut spending on children’s services over the next year.
Government fostering report calls for councils to work with agencies
Collaboration between local authorities and the private sector would improve foster care for children, a new Government report has suggested.
Solving the sticky issues in children's social care
Emily Roche offers four steps to solving the 'sticky' problems in children's services.
The MJ/LGiU finance survey: The balancing act continues
Children's services has emerged as the new biggest risk facing the sector, overtaking adult social care, according to this year's The MJ/LGiU finance survey.