Social workers
Seven reasons for hope
Seven projects were successful in What Works for Children’s Social Care’s ‘highly competitive’ first open funding round to support innovative practice. Dr Michael Sanders explains why they stood out.
Care staff concerns as demand set to peak
Concerns have been voiced about staffing levels in children’s services as the COVID-19 second wave takes its toll.
Pay boost for care workers following tribunal
A group of homecare workers have been awarded £100,000 in backdated pay in a tribunal ruling that could have further implications for the sector.
Let’s talk about difference and inequality
Sarah Newman looks at the impact of the crisis on disadvantaged families including those from BAME communities – and shows how the systemic practice model can make constructive conversations possible.
Building back better services for children
Chief executive of the National Children's Bureau Anna Feuchtwang asks how local and national government can build back children’s services that are better equipped to meet needs in the ‘new normal’.
Strengthening safeguarding by placing social workers in schools
The best aspects of a pilot that places social workers in schools are going to be tested more widely in a randomised controlled trial in at least 10 areas, says Michael Sanders.
Ensuring continuity of care during COVID-19
What happens when home isn't a safe place to be? Julie Tyas discusses how tech is becoming the eyes and ears of social workers during the pandemic.
The right time for some strategic thinking
The pandemic has presented an opportunity for the sector to re-think its recruitment strategies, particularly in the search for experienced social workers. Maggie Hennessy and Sonia Tanda explain.
Charity applies for judicial review of changes to children's social care law
A children’s rights charity has applied to the High Court for a judicial review of changes made to social care law by the Department for Education.
Charity threatens legal action on changes to safeguarding laws
A charity has threatened legal action against the Department for Education (DfE) if it does not withdraw a statutory instrument that makes changes to safeguards for children in care in England.
Reinventing recruitment for a more sustainable future
Local government has shown it can move faster and better when the bureaucracy is stripped away and decision-making is made at the local level. Manny Sandhu sets out a social care and related professions recruitment plan with a powerful purpose.
A ‘trusted national database of volunteers’ can support councils during COVID-19
RVS has provided a radical way to mobilise a volunteer army to help councils and the NHS provide support during the pandemic using the GoodSAM app. Rebecca Kennelly talks to Ann McGauran.
Our systemic model is coming to the fore during the pandemic
Sarah Newman, executive director of children’s services for the bi-borough - Kensington & Chelsea RLBC and Westminster City Council – outlines how the councils have been working to protect children and families during the COVID-19 crisis.
Working through the pandemic to protect children and families
A new report has identified the groups of children most likely to be at risk under lockdown. How are councils responding to need and have they got the resources to deliver?
A critical time for child protection
Keeping children safe is a challenge made even greater amid the coronavirus crisis. Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield outlines her fears.
Working at pace to deliver social care in a crisis
Durham CC’s focus during the COVID-19 outbreak is on supporting commissioned adult and health services to continue to deliver sustainable high quality care, says Neil Jarvis.
Our Ofsted journey to outstanding
Cllr Shaun Davies explains how Telford & Wrekin Council’s Ofsted rating for children’s services leaped from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘outstanding’ due to an innovative approach to investment and a focus on workforce and good practice.
Keeping children and families safe
Lou Williams outlines why she believes the introduction of the Family Safeguarding model in Cambridgeshire will ‘make a real difference to the lives of our most vulnerable children’.
Keeping youngsters away from the edge
The Edge of Care programme is breaking the cycle of children and young people becoming looked-after. Anne Stoker describes the key aspects of the approach.
Ofsted highlights 'serious and widespread failures' at council
Children in Middlesbrough are being left at risk for too long because of failures in practice and leadership, Ofsted has warned.
