Latest report highlights
- A more stable workforce and the development of social work practice is resulting in more purposeful direct work with children and families
- Strong political and corporate support backed with significant additional investment driving improvement
- Stronger and more effective partnership working
- More children being supported to live safely with their family, avoiding court procedures
The latest monitoring visit by Ofsted inspectors of Halton’s Children’s Services reported that “steady progress in the development of social work practice has been made and senior leaders have continued to establish some positive foundations for improving practice.”
They also recognised the positive impact strong political and corporate support and significant additional investment was having on the development of children’s services in line with the Council’s comprehensive improvement plan.
The monitoring visit which took place at the end of April, saw inspectors reviewing progress made in a number areas:
- Child in need assessment and planning
- Child protection planning
- Children who are subject to pre proceedings
- Children living in private fostering arrangements
- The impact of leaders on social work practice
- The local authority’s own evaluation of the quality and impact of performance and practice
These were areas that had previously been identified as needing to be improved when Ofsted carried out their Inspection of Local Authority Children’s Services in May 2024.
Talking about the inspectors findings Councillor Tom McInerney, Executive Board Member for Children and Young People said: “Our focus continues to be on ensuring children in Halton are safe, happy, healthy and succeeding.
“So, I am pleased that during their latest visit, inspectors were able to see that the improvement plan we have put in place which is underpinned by significant Council investment is driving positive change.
“Importantly, inspectors saw evidence that oversight and scrutiny, coupled with an improvement in the quality of assessments and a more stable workforce, are resulting in stronger relationships, greater consistency and better outcomes for our children, young people and families.
“Recognition for the progress made to date must go to our Director of Children’s Services and her leadership team, together with our dedicated children’s services workforce, staff from across the Council who are enabling and supporting change, and our partners with whom we continue to work closely.
“This latest report provides reassurance that we are on the right path – and whilst there is still a long way for us to go on our improvement journey, we will build on these positive first steps and will remain committed and focussed on further improving services for all children, young people and families in Halton.”
The monitoring visit to Halton children’s services took place at the end of April 2025. This was the second monitoring visit since the local authority was judged inadequate in May 2024. As part of their assessment, a range of evidence was considered, including electronic records, performance management information, case file audits and other information provided by senior managers. In addition, inspectors spoke to social workers.