Bradford children’s services show ‘signs of improvement’

CHILDREN’S services in Bradford are ‘showing signs of improvement’ – with an increase in permanent staff.

This is the finding of Ofsted inspectors following their latest visit to Bradford to see its progress.

The service was deemed ‘inadequate’ in 2018 and, after years of slow improvements, was taken over by a new children’s trust in April 2023.

Concerns over the years have included an over-reliance on agency staff rather than permanent social workers.

Ofsted carried out its latest monitoring inspection of children’s services in Bradford in February and has just published its findings.

The report says: “The appointment of the new CEO to the board brings strong and crucial oversight, support and challenge to the trust and the board.

“Trust leaders recognize that for too many children, their long-term future has been uncertain for too long. Many children have been in child protection for a considerable period of time.

“Trust leaders fully understand the challenges in this practice area and the impact on children. They have taken very positive and solid steps to begin making the necessary improvements.

“The more recent practice is starting to show signs of improvement.

“Some children in Bradford have experienced many changes of social workers.

“Positively, the landscape is beginning to change, with increasing numbers of permanent staff in this practice area.

“There is growing evidence that children and families are being helped earlier to bring about positive change. Parents are better supported to make improvements in their parenting before care proceedings are issued.

“Social workers spoken to told inspectors they felt more settled and better supported in their work. They describe visible senior leaders who are very approachable.

“A number of people have commented that the relationship-based social care model that has been introduced is becoming more integrated and that Bradford feels like a more stable place to work.

“There are undoubtedly significant resource and capacity challenges impacting on work in this practice area and across the trust.

“The new CEO at the board clearly understands the challenges, recognizes the importance of children’s social care and already brings strong and crucial oversight, support and challenge to the trust and the board.”

Eileen Milner, Chair of Bradford Children and Families Trust, said: “The report highlights a number of areas for progress in this area of ​​practice, including that families are being helped earlier to bring about positive change.

“This reflects our strong focus on early intervention and working with families as part of a restorative practice approach. It is also really positive to hear that social workers have told inspectors that they feel settled and supported.

“We know there is more work to do and the inspectors confirmed that the trust and the council have a thorough understanding of the challenges and are committed to delivering the necessary improvements.”