Birmingham Children's Trust improvement journey continues
Headlines from the latest visit by Ofsted to check on the progress being made by Birmingham Children’s Trust reveal that continued improvements in children’s social care are being made.
It recognises almost all social work interactions continue to be conducted face-to-face, despite the pandemic.
Ofsted inspectors conducted a ‘focused visit’ in October 2021, a two-day snapshot inspection of Trust activity, and found ‘most children in care benefit from living with settled carers who meet their needs’.
Social workers and other social work staff at the Trust were recognised by Ofsted ‘to have continued to support children in care during the pandemic through a mix of remote visits using technology and face-to-face visits based on risk assessments.’ Social workers interviewed said they liked working for the Trust.
Councillor Sharon Thompson, Cabinet Member for Vulnerable Children and Families at Birmingham City Council, said: “Children’s social care in Birmingham is an area that requires strong leadership, highly committed and devoted staff, and a collective commitment to constantly improve services and support on offer to children, young people and families. It is clear that this is what is being delivered on a daily basis.
“Following this latest Ofsted visit I can see that the improvement journey is being maintained, and that children, young people and families are being given the best opportunities that we can provide.”
Inspectors commented positively about front-line staff that ‘social workers know children well and ensure that their views help inform plans for their future’ as well as stating that ‘children make progress in care and are supported to do well in school and enjoy their childhood."
Full details, including the Ofsted letter, can be found on Birmingham Children's Trust website.
