Ofsted has described Derby City Council’s Children’s Services as ‘strong and effective’ following an inspection. Inspectors carried out a focused visit to the service over two days in October. 

They looked at the local authority’s arrangements for children in need and child protection planning. The inspection report, which was published today, identifies a number of positive findings across all aspects of the service.

It highlights the service’s stable senior team and notes that children benefit from the consistency of a workforce of permanently employed social workers, which supports effective relationship-building and progress with child protection or child-in-need plans.

The report states:

Since the last inspection in 2022, the stable senior leadership team has remained committed to responding proactively to meet the needs of children and families living in Derby. 

For children who are subject to child-in-need or child protection plans, senior leaders analyse emerging trends effectively and develop their services accordingly. These children therefore benefit from a strong and effective service that manages and reduces risk.

The inspection also found that Derby’s social workers:

  • Spend time with children to understand their experiences and ensure that their voice is heard, ensuring they receive the right support at the right time
  • Identify children’s needs and escalate risks through accurate assessments that lead to dynamic multi-agency plans
  • Are responsive to identified and emerging risks for children
  • Engage with their professional partners effectively, with well-attended multi-agency network meetings held on a regular basis.

The report states that social workers who spoke to inspectors displayed commitment to their work and were positive about their experience working for the Council. Staff reported that their caseloads were manageable, and said they felt supported by service leaders.

Inspectors noted some improvement was needed in the consistency of recording in children’s case records but said, despite this, social workers were clear about the work they undertake to safeguard children and help families make progress. Service leaders have taken this finding on board and are taking action to address it. 

Councillor John Whitby, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Learning and Skills, said:

We are delighted that Derby’s Children’s Services have received such a glowing report. It’s testament to the hard work and dedication of all those who work within the service, who should be very proud of this achievement.

As a council, we remain committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every child in Derby.

The full report is available on the Ofsted website.