PRAISE FOR TRANSFORMATION OF CHILDREN’S SERVICES

Children in care are receiving outstanding support, as Ofsted praises the wider transformation of children’s services across Wokingham Borough.

Following an inspection from 21 September to 2 October, Ofsted rated the experiences and progress of children in care as “Outstanding”. Services for children who need help and protection were rated “Good”, as was the impact of leaders on social work practice.

The findings highlight how far children’s services have come. Inspectors said the council had “largely succeeded in breaking a long history of underperformance” and had transformed services so that most children now receive a strong service.

The report particularly praises the support given to children in care. Inspectors found that children are listened to, celebrated and valued, with their involvement in shaping services described as a “real strength”.

Social workers were found to know children exceptionally well and work with care, compassion and sensitivity.

Children shared positive experiences of being in care and spoke particularly highly of the Wokingham Virtual School (A dedicated council service that supports and monitors the education of children in care, care leavers and children with a social worker, helping them achieve their potential). They told inspectors they felt heard and empowered, giving examples of how their views had helped change services.

A Children in Care Council rep fed back to Inspectors that "our lives are the same as any other child in Wokingham - we get the same chances and opportunities as everyone else.”

Inspectors also found that children who need help and protection receive effective support, with child protection work described as a clear strength. They praised partnership working, high-quality assessments and strong responses to domestic abuse, neglect and abuse.

Cllr Prue Bray, executive member for children’s services, said: “This is a hugely encouraging report and, most importantly, it shows that children and families across Wokingham Borough are benefiting from the hard work and commitment of our colleagues and partners.

“We’re incredibly proud that support for children in care has been judged outstanding. It is particularly pleasing to hear inspectors describe how our children feel heard, empowered, celebrated and valued because their experiences must always be at the heart of what we do.

“This report shows how far our children’s services have come, and we will use it as a platform to keep improving.”

The progress has been supported by investment in areas including children's homes, accommodation for care leavers, Family Hubs, additional SEND school places, foster care and growth in the children’s social care workforce.

Inspectors also described the council’s governance arrangements as “highly effective” and found that leaders were already aware of, and working to address, areas needing improvement.

The experiences and progress of care leavers were rated “Requires improvement to be good”, with inspectors identifying inconsistency caused by staffing instability within the service. The council had already identified these issues before the inspection and had begun putting measures in place to strengthen support.

At the same time, inspectors found areas of strong practice, including improved housing options, support into education, employment and training, and the council’s later-life letters initiative.

Cllr Bray added: “We know there is more work to do. We fully recognise that the experience of our care leavers has been inconsistent and work was already underway before the inspection to strengthen this service. We are determined to make sure every young person receives the consistent, high-quality support they deserve.”