In a letter published today (12 January), Government watchdog Ofsted has praised Milton Keynes City Council for improving its and its partners’ support for local children in need. Increased staffing in frontline care, new specialised teams and additional funding have all been cited as factors bringing about positive changes for the city’s children.
While not a formal inspection, Ofsted visited Milton Keynes for two days in November last year. Its focus was on children in need, including children who are subject to a child protection plan. Inspectors spoke directly with social workers and other city council staff, and reviewed records to understand how these young people are identified, protected and supported.
Ofsted praised the city council’s new ‘contextual safeguarding team’ that works alongside local police to support children who may be exploited or involved in knife crime. This team was established last year as a targeted response to growing concerns about the national increase in harm to children outside of the home. Inspectors described the team as very effective in reducing the risk of harm to young people and improving outcomes for those children.
Whilst developments across the service are having a positive impact on children in need, the regulator made some suggestions for further improvement including more consistency within auditing practices and when meeting the needs of disabled children.
Last year, the city council made some structural changes to strengthen the network of support available to children with disabilities and their families. Ofsted recognised the significant investment in this area that should bring about improvements in the coming months.
“Ofsted has recognised the significant progress made by our Children’s Services in recent years and confirmed we are on the right track for further improvement. We are committed to building on this momentum as the nature of child protection means there is always more to do. Many city council resources go into safeguarding and supporting children and young people, and this will remain a priority.
I’d also like to thank our dedicated social workers who were commended by Ofsted for their persistent attitude to helping children.”