Southend-on-Sea Children’s Services Achieve ‘Good’ Rating from Ofsted

Ofsted inspectors have elevated the rating for children’s services in Southend-on-Sea to ‘good’. The government oversight body stated that “many vulnerable children and their families” were experiencing benefits and that “considerable improvement was evident”. Previously, the department received a rating of ‘requires improvement’ from inspectors in both 2016 and 2019. Labour councillor Laurie Burton commented that all personnel, including foster carers, had “worked hard to instil positive change”. Mr. Burton, who holds the position of cabinet member for children, young people, and special education needs and disabilities, described this as “a fantastic achievement.” The Ofsted report, released earlier, indicated that numerous children residing with foster carers were in “stable homes with loving carers who are committed to look after them through to adulthood.” The watchdog reported that a child in foster care conveyed to its staff: “My foster carer has been amazing.” The child added, “She has taught me to become a child again, which means I now feel able to learn how to become an adult.” However, the report also highlighted that “some children are waiting far too long to be matched with permanent carers and adopters.” This situation resulted in certain children needing to relocate between different homes, affecting their “sense of belonging and security.” Additional areas identified for improvement in Southend include the council’s approach to homeless 16 and 17-year-olds, as well as the pace and uniformity of planning for children in care. Mr. Burton further stated: “We are also aware of where improvements are needed within the corporate parenting area, with much of this linked to a high turnover of staff that is being addressed, with new permanent members of staff starting soon.” In October, Thurrock Council, a neighbouring local authority, received an ‘outstanding’ rating for its children’s services.