Ofsted: Rotherham Children's Services 'transformed' since grooming scandal
Three years ago the department was judged as inadequate in every way
Last updated 29th Jan 2018
Three years on from a damning report into Children's Services, Ofsted says vulnerable kids in Rotherham are now being reached quicker and protected from harm by the council.
Inspectors say there's been a transformation since they judged the department inadequate in the wake of the groming scandal in 2014.
More social workers, lower case loads, and more management oversight's meant they now think it's good with outstanding features.
Inspectors say a lot of progress has been made:
“The local authority has taken a systematic and rigorous approach to improvement since the last Ofsted inspection in 2014 which identified widespread and serious failures for children in need of help and protection and children looked after. The quality and impact of services for children are transformed. The corporate response and associated change in the quality of children’s services has been impressive.
“Children at risk of child sexual exploitation are identified, and receive an effective multi-agency response to protect them.”
The department received a rating of 'Good' in most categories after an inspection in November last year, with the experience and progress of care leavers being judged as 'Outstanding'.
But the council was told the way it deals with looked after children 'Requires Improvement."
Back in 2014, Ofsted rated the department as 'Inadequate' in all categories.
It came soon after the Jay Report revealed more than 1400 children had been sexually abused in the town between 1997 and 2013.
Children’s Commissioner Patricia Bradwell said:
“The Council and its partners have worked very hard to change outcomes for children, young people and families here in Rotherham and I am delighted that this hard work has been recognised in this way. Staff and their managers at Rotherham Council have been extremely committed to making the changes in order to provide good services to families.
“It’s been a privilege to work with councillors, officers and partners on this improvement journey."