Children’s Services in Kirklees have improved significantly, according to a new Ofsted inspection report.
The report highlights the progress made in developing support for children and young people, stating that the authority is showing clear and focused leadership; a strengthening of partnerships; and improved workforce stability.
It adds that there are no widespread or serious failures, children who need help and protection are now recognised and the risk of significant harm is quickly responded to.
Cllr Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said:
“This is excellent news and I am grateful to Ofsted for their comments, which show they have seen stepped improvement.
These improvements are down to strong leadership and staff who work tirelessly to help our children and young people. My ambition is for Kirklees Council to have one of the best Children’s Services in the country and the progress we have made is moving us in that direction.”
Mel Meggs, our Director of Children’s Services, said:
“We are pleased that Ofsted have recognised the real progress that has been made across the board. This has been achieved by hard-working staff and committed partners and means we are in a strong position to continue our improvement programme.
We will always protect and support and always promote better outcomes, to help children fulfil their potential.
The Ofsted report also outlines a number of areas for further improvement, which is reflected in the judgement of ‘requires improvement to be good’. We are already making good progress with these changes and our ambition is to be judged outstanding in the next Ofsted inspection.
We have a dedicated and hard-working team who care passionately about those they care for and support. It is thanks to them that we are seeing the steady improvements we are making.”
Cllr Viv Kendrick, our Cabinet member for Children, said:
“This is an important milestone for Kirklees. Ofsted have highlighted the strides we have made and commented on the much improved standards that I see on a daily basis.
Improvements have been made, but we must never be complacent and must never stop aiming to achieve the highest standards of care and support for those who need our help the most. The Ofsted report highlights issues as well as achievements and we will address them.
We want children and families to have positive experiences, to receive the right support at the right time and to be happy and healthy. There is, of course, more work to be done and I am committed to continuing our improvements to be good and outstanding in the months and years to come.”
The inspection of Children’s Services took place in June and was the first in Kirklees since 2016. Ofsted’s report confirms that Kirklees is no longer considered inadequate in any of its service areas. There is more information on the council website.