Ofsted has recognised continued improvement in our children’s services, highlighting stronger decision-making, effective early help services and increasingly joined-up support for children and families.
The findings follow Ofsted’s latest monitoring visit to Devon County Council’s children’s services in August, which focused on front door services, child protection responses, early help and our emergency duty service.
Inspectors found that children and families are receiving a timely, well-coordinated and increasingly integrated response from practitioners and managers. They noted that leaders have taken deliberate and purposeful action to strengthen services, increase capacity, support staff and create the conditions needed for sustained improvement.
The report highlights the way social workers, managers and partner agencies work together to ensure children receive the right help at the right time. Inspectors found that concerns are reviewed promptly, decisions are generally proportionate and informed, and children at risk of significant harm receive swift responses through well-established pathways.
Inspectors also recognised improvements in how children move between services, noting that transitions from the front door into assessment and intervention teams are managed effectively, with children continuing to receive timely oversight and support.
Becky Hopkins, Director for Children’s Social Care, said:
“We are pleased that Ofsted has recognised the improvements being made across our front door services, early help provision and emergency response arrangements. Inspectors saw dedicated staff and managers working together with partners to provide timely, child-focused support for children and families.
“The report reflects the hard work of colleagues across children’s services and our partner organisations, as well as the deliberate action we have taken to strengthen capacity, improve oversight and create the conditions for lasting change and improvement. We have a clear understanding of the areas where we need to go further and remain fully focused on continuing that progress.”
The council’s targeted early help service was highlighted as a particular strength. Ofsted found that families are being offered meaningful support at the earliest opportunity, with practitioners building trusted relationships and responding quickly when circumstances change.
Inspectors also noted that handovers between social workers and family intervention practitioners are managed sensitively, helping families avoid having to repeatedly tell their story.
Our emergency duty service, which provides support outside normal office hours, was praised for delivering a timely, responsive and child-focused service. Ofsted also recognised the growing impact of leadership, governance and quality assurance arrangements in driving improvement across the service.
Councillor Richard Jefferies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services – Social Services, said:
“At the heart of this report is a simple but important message: more children and families are getting the help they need when they need it. Ofsted has recognised improvements in how concerns are identified, how quickly services respond and how partners are working together to keep children safe.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up safe, supported and able to achieve their potential. While our improvement journey continues, these findings are another positive step forward for children and families in Devon.”
