West Sussex County Council has been recognised for stronger and more effective assessments for children in need of help and protection, leading to better-targeted support and quicker and more effective safeguarding decisions.
Ofsted also noted better support for 16 and 17-year-olds at risk of homelessness and the council’s innovative use of specialist practitioners.
Councillor Jacquie Russell, cabinet member for children, young people and learning, said: “We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the significant progress we’ve made to improve services for children and families in West Sussex.
“This reflects the dedication and hard work of our staff and partners.
“Our ambition is clear: every child should receive the best possible care and protection, helping young people achieve their full potential and keeping them safe from vulnerable situations.
“We have moved from ratings of ‘inadequate’ to ‘requires improvement’ with ‘good’ features in our previous full inspection, and Ofsted’s feedback following this focussed visit shows that our positive momentum remains strong.
“There is always more that we can do, and as we look ahead to a fuller inspection later this year, we will continue to build on the progress we’ve achieved.”
The report highlighted West Sussex County Council’s improved approach to identifying needs early, building positive relationships with families and helping 16 and 17-year-olds at risk of homelessness.
Inspectors praised the innovative use of specialist practitioners alongside social workers and a strong culture of retention and collaboration within the workforce.
The council was also commended for redesigning its services to better match the needs of children and families.
Improvements included the use of family network meetings to keep children safely within their wider support networks, robust safeguarding panels and targeted educational support through the Virtual School.
Ofsted said children are now receiving ‘timely, well-matched support’ that improves their safety and welfare.
However, inspectors identified some areas for further development, including clearer planning for families, stronger safeguarding responses for disabled children and greater consistency across all areas of practice.
The full Ofsted response is available to read on its website.
West Sussex County Council has been recognised for stronger and more effective assessments for children in need of help and protection, leading to better-targeted support and quicker and more effective safeguarding decisions.
Ofsted also noted better support for 16 and 17-year-olds at risk of homelessness and the council’s innovative use of specialist practitioners.
Councillor Jacquie Russell, cabinet member for children, young people and learning, said: “We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the significant progress we’ve made to improve services for children and families in West Sussex.
“This reflects the dedication and hard work of our staff and partners.
“Our ambition is clear: every child should receive the best possible care and protection, helping young people achieve their full potential and keeping them safe from vulnerable situations.
“We have moved from ratings of ‘inadequate’ to ‘requires improvement’ with ‘good’ features in our previous full inspection, and Ofsted’s feedback following this focussed visit shows that our positive momentum remains strong.
“There is always more that we can do, and as we look ahead to a fuller inspection later this year, we will continue to build on the progress we’ve achieved.”
The report highlighted West Sussex County Council’s improved approach to identifying needs early, building positive relationships with families and helping 16 and 17-year-olds at risk of homelessness.
Inspectors praised the innovative use of specialist practitioners alongside social workers and a strong culture of retention and collaboration within the workforce.
The council was also commended for redesigning its services to better match the needs of children and families.
Improvements included the use of family network meetings to keep children safely within their wider support networks, robust safeguarding panels and targeted educational support through the Virtual School.
Ofsted said children are now receiving ‘timely, well-matched support’ that improves their safety and welfare.
However, inspectors identified some areas for further development, including clearer planning for families, stronger safeguarding responses for disabled children and greater consistency across all areas of practice.
The full Ofsted response is available to read on its website.
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