Childrens services
NCASC: Government must make 'some difficult decisions' on children's services
The Government must make ‘some difficult decisions’ if it is ‘not able or willing’ to provide funding to meet the financial pressures in children’s services, the Association of Directors of Children’s Services has said.
Partnerships will unlock potential of Oxfordshire’s children
Children and young people are at the heart of Oxfordshire’s partnership approach – a shared vision to give them the very best start in life, says Cllr John Howson.
Who wouldn’t want to be a DCS?
As directors of children’s services gather at the National Children and Adult Services Conference, Philip Emms and Jane Parfrement reflect on the achievements of the aspirant DCS programme
Autumn Statement: not what it says on the tin
Kate Ogden says it seems likely either taxes will have to rise further, borrowing will have to rise, or the range and quality of public services provided will have to fall.
A tactical shift that has boosted our services
Angela Bremner explains how leadership coaching has transformed Together for Children’s people services and led to the creation of a new performance management programme for the company.
UASC children deserve a plan
Meeting the needs of unaccompanied asylum seeking children calls for the development of a co-ordinated plan over the short, medium and longer-term, says John Pearce
Mental health top reason for social care absences
New research has claimed mental health and stress is the most common reason for social care staff sickness and absence in more than 77% of councils.
Children and young people in care are at risk of becoming invisible
The Government must 'urgently look at ways to find more funding for children’s care and safeguarding, that will allow us to change the system', says Michael Hudson.
Virtual schools: expanding a hidden asset
A recent report from the County Councils' Network explores the development of virtual schools over the last decade. Owen Mapley says councils should consider how they can be used to drive improvement and educational excellence.
Working to help children’s services in Essex grow
Essex CC has achieved a second consecutive ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating for children’s social care. Helen Lincoln explains some of the key reasons for the service’s success.
Pioneering a new approach to children’s social care in Somerset
A new partnership in Somerset is supporting the county’s most complex looked-after children and could improve outcomes across the UK, say Claire Winter and Chris Luck.
Optimistic nihilism
It feels like local government is close to breaking point, but it doesn’t have to be this way, says Dr Jonathan Carr-West.
We need a national placements strategy
Councils are using non-secure provisions supported by a deprivation of liberty order as necessary when secure welfare placements are not available, but as John Pearce says, the system needs to be developed to meet children’s needs.
Starting a new chapter
The aim of Foundations – the new national What Works Centre for Children and Families – is to produce and champion evidence that improves services to support families, says Dr Jo Casebourne.
Putting families first in Herts
Hertfordshire CC’s Families First approach has secured a host of achievements and cost benefits, and helped to inform the development of one element in the Government’s response to the McAlister review, says Karen Dorney.
Haringey’s watershed moment
Ann Graham says a number of crucial elements including a steady change in culture have combined to help Haringey LBC achieve its first ‘good’ Ofsted rating.
New ADCS chief calls for cross-government children's plan
The new president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) has reiterated his organisation’s previous calls for a cross-government ‘ambitious strategic plan’ for children.
A life to outlast us
The idea of leaving a legacy can mean very different things. Three speakers outlined their experiences at a joint GatenbySanderson and The MJ round table in Manchester. Heather Jameson reports.
Groundhog Day for adult social care reform
Sarah McClinton, President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, explains what the Government stalling on social care reform will mean for older and disabled people and carers.
Neglect and the perfect storm
Assessing the care given to a child against the yardstick of a ‘reasonable parent’ involves considering the impact of the financial crisis on the family and the practical support available, says Jo Porter.
