Council's child services 'not good enough'

Children in care are not receiving a good enough service, according to inspectors.

Somerset Council children's social services have been rated as requiring improvement in three out of four areas looked at by Ofsted, a report published today found.

The inspection found the quality of some services for "very vulnerable children" had "deteriorated" since they were last inspected in 2022. It said most children and family assessments take too long.

Somerset Council said the report's findings are "disappointing" and they are committed to improving their services.

Inspectors also found that there continued to be a lack of sufficient foster homes and registered children's homes in the county, resulting in children in care who live in "unlawful, unregistered provision" and who experience too many changes in their placement.

The report, published on Wednesday, said that many children benefit from strong practice, and care leavers benefit from good services by the council.

However, some children's experiences and progress are inconsistent.

The report continues that most child and family assessments take too long due to workload pressures, meaning that the needs of vulnerable children and their families are not always understood soon enough.

Councillor Leigh Redman, chair of Somerset Council's children and education scrutiny committee, said: "While it is disappointing to see areas requiring improvement, it is also right that we recognise the strong practice highlighted by inspectors, particularly the progress and support provided to care leavers."

Heather Shearer, lead member for children, families and education at Somerset Council, added: "We remain fully committed to building on these strengths, listening to the voices of children and families and working with our partners to ensure every child in Somerset has the opportunity to thrive."

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