Havering Council Puts Forward Its Next Steps In Improving Children’s Services.

A year on from implementing an improvement plan for children’s services, Havering’s Starting Well Service has seen marked improvements.

Cabinet heard that monitoring visits by the Department for Education (DfE) and Ofsted had acknowledged progress in the Council’s service to children, following its “Inadequate” rating by Ofsted in December 2023.

Key developments, including a whole system reorganisation and increased workforce capacity have been supported by a DfE appointed improvement advisor.

This is alongside safeguarding partners and two London local authorities’ children’s services who are helping the Council to improve the way we support children and families in need of help and protection.

Positive feedback from the visits has highlighted the need to increase the pace of the improvements.

During the next phase of the Starting Well Improvement Plan, the service will focus on workforce development. 

Strengthening management oversight, supervision and quality assurance will be a key priority in the next phase.

Councillor Oscar Ford, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

“The Starting Well team has made great strides in meeting the improvement plan, with the DfE welcoming the plan’s clearer focus on outcomes.

“Our aim has and always will be about ensuring every child has the best possible start in life to meet their outcomes.

“We are investing in our workforce, listening to our communities, and removing barriers to ensure that our services meet the diversity of our children in Havering.”

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