Wolverhampton Children’s Services Praised for Improvements in Responding to Homeless and Missing Youngsters

Inspectors have noted improvements in the way a city’s children’s services addresses the needs of homeless and missing young people. Ofsted conducted an inspection in Wolverhampton in early October, specifically evaluating the city council’s provisions for children requiring support. The local authority demonstrated progress in this domain since its last assessment in 2022, with the regulatory body stating that its responses had been “strengthened.” A representative from the City of Wolverhampton Council expressed pride regarding these findings. While children’s services received a “good” rating in the 2022 inspection, the council was instructed to enhance its methods for tracking and monitoring children who were absent from school. At that time, inspectors also highlighted the necessity of improving the information provided to homeless children aged 16 and 17 concerning their rights and entitlements. During the October visit, inspectors reported the implementation of a “proportionate and considered” response for situations involving missing or homeless children. Homeless individuals were also provided with specialized assistance detailing their rights and entitlements, alongside secure housing and care. Inspectors further noted that senior leaders, managers, and practitioners in Wolverhampton were reinforcing the service’s culture. However, they also indicated that supervision within this domain required improved quality and greater consistency. City councillor Jacqui Coogan stated that efforts to transform social care services in Wolverhampton were achieving “excellent progress.” Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.