Swindon Borough Council has welcomed signs of progress in its Children’s Services while accepting that significant challenges remain ahead of a full Ofsted inspection later this year.
The authority has been subject to regular monitoring visits since Children’s Services were rated inadequate under Ofsted’s Inspection of Local Authority Children’s Services (ILACS) framework. The latest visit, carried out in May, was the sixth and final monitoring inspection before inspectors return for a full assessment.
In a letter published following the visit, lead inspector Nick Bennison highlighted areas where improvement is beginning to take hold, while also identifying concerns that continue to affect children and families relying on the service.
Inspectors found positive developments in support for children with disabilities. Social workers were praised for maintaining regular contact with children and building a detailed understanding of their circumstances.
The report noted that social workers use direct work effectively to understand children’s experiences and respond when needs change.
Ofsted also found improvements in the quality of child in need and child protection plans, with inspectors reporting that plans are becoming more focused and effective in supporting families.
However, the watchdog said further progress is needed. High caseloads continue to place pressure on staff and too many children are still experiencing delays in receiving support. Inspectors found that some children see several different social workers, making it harder to establish stable and trusted relationships.
The report also identified the need for quicker intervention when concerns are identified, more timely visits to children and greater focus on measuring the impact of social work rather than simply ensuring procedures have been followed.
The council has been investing in the service in an effort to strengthen staffing levels and reduce reliance on temporary workers. Recruitment campaigns are continuing, including incentives aimed at attracting experienced social workers from outside the area.
Inspectors recognised improvements in leadership, noting that senior managers have a clear understanding of the challenges facing the service and are taking steps to address them. The appointment of a permanent Director of Children’s Services was highlighted as a positive development.
Ofsted also acknowledged support for the improvement programme across the council, including backing from councillors on a cross-party basis.
Councillor Kate Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said the council accepted the findings and remained focused on delivering further improvements.
“As a new administration, we hope to continue the improvement plan with cross-party support. We fully recognise that there is more to do and that the pace of these improvements may need to be quicker,” she said.
“We welcome Ofsted’s recognition of the progress being made, particularly in how we support children with disabilities and the improvements in the quality of our plans.
“We also accept Ofsted’s findings and are acting on them, with a clear focus on reducing caseloads, strengthening our workforce, and ensuring children and families receive consistent, timely support.”
She added that the council remained committed to building on recent progress ahead of the full inspection later this year.
The forthcoming inspection will determine whether the improvements made over recent years have been sufficient to lift the service from its inadequate rating and provide a clearer picture of how effectively vulnerable children in Swindon are being supported.
