Reading Borough Council Considers Reassuming Control of Children’s Services

A new proposal indicates that Reading Borough Council might reassume direct management of its children’s services. The council established Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) in 2018, following an “Inadequate” rating from Ofsted for its previously council-managed children’s services. However, an independent entity tasked with evaluating future alternatives has now recommended that councillors explore the option of returning children’s services to council oversight. Council leader Liz Terry stated the council’s dedication to ensuring the transition would not adversely impact children. Children’s services encompass the administration of children’s health, care, and education, a provision that constitutes a statutory obligation for the council. The council commissioned the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) to examine future possibilities, as BFfC’s current contract is set to conclude in March 2026. Ms Terry commented that BFfC had “made progress” in achieving its objectives, but acknowledged that “much work remained to be done,” making a comprehensive review timely. “I want to place on record my enormous gratitude to BFfC staff, whose commitment and dedication to children in Reading is without question,” she stated. “We are committed to ensuring those same children and young people are not affected as we go through this process.” Under a Transfer of Undertakings (TUPE) arrangement, BFfC employees would transition to the council. Di Smith, who chairs BFfC, confirmed the board’s endorsement of the proposal. “Given the national picture of increased costs and pressures in children’s services, it is logical that councils, including Reading council, would want to have full control of delivery and expenditure,” she remarked. Alternative courses of action encompass maintaining BFfC, transferring children’s services to a different organization, or implementing a hybrid model that would partially integrate services into the council while partially contracting them out to BFfC or another external provider. A determination is scheduled for the council’s policy committee meeting on 18 December, with subsequent full council endorsement required in January. For updates, BBC Berkshire can be followed on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.