Management Information Sheet
Ofsted Inspection of Norfolk Children's Services
On 9 November we received the announcement that Ofsted will be carrying out an inspection of children in need of help and protection, children looked after and care leavers in Norfolk, commencing 13 November. This will take place over the forthcoming two-week period and will focus on the single inspection framework of Children's Services. Key lines of enquiry will be drawn from what Ofsted already know about Norfolk and themes that emerge from performance data.
The inspection team will arrive at County Hall on Monday afternoon to prepare for the inspection and to start looking at Children's Services to enable them to determine their focus for the inspection. The full team will be carrying out interviews across the county. Initial feedback will be given to the Director of Children's Services on the final Friday morning of the inspection.
Schools may become involved through any lines of enquiries the inspectors make or any multi-agency meetings they attend. If you or your safeguarding leads attend any of these multi-agency meetings it may be that inspectors will want to speak to you about your involvement in the case and your partnership working. Over and above the major focus on help and protection and the social care of Looked After Children the education of Looked After Children and Care Leavers will be a focus, as will Children Missing Education and those Home educated. In addition there will be a focus on NEET / EET and apprenticeships for post-16 care leavers.
Please can you communicate this to any relevant staff in your organisation so that they are aware of the inspection and ask that they prepare for any involvement that may be required.
If you are contacted and want to discuss your engagement further please do not hesitate to contact Chris Snudden via Gemma Wallace, gemma.wallace@norfolk.gov.uk, 01603 223492.
Chris Snudden
Assistant Director Children's Services, Education