Management Information Sheet
Ofsted Inspection of Local Authority Children's Services (ILACS) report published
On Friday, Oftsed published its inspection report into Children's Services at Norfolk County Council, judging the authority as "good" and highlighting "exemplary" and "exceptional" areas of practice.
The report follows a two-week inspection looking at the support the council offers children and families from before birth through to adult life. The judgement relates to all services from early help and prevention, to more specialist support for families.
Inspectors said "significant improvements" had been made in services for children and their families since the last inspection in 2017 and services and practice had been transformed. They recognised "stable and determined leadership", investment in services, and "compassionate, warm and committed workers and carers."
The report says that children's "voices, wishes and feelings shine brightly" in case records and described children and young people's participation as a strength of the authority.
Support for care leavers was described as demonstrating "exemplary practice" and Ofsted said children in care are provided with "exceptional services." Inspectors highlighted effective working between the virtual school and children's schools, which is helping to ensure children get appropriate support. They also said personal education plans are well used and regularly reviewed.
The report also noted the "effectively, timely and consistent responses" to contacts coming into the Children's Advice and Duty Service (CADS) and said social workers in CADS were "skilled" at identifying risks to children.
Ofsted also noted that partnerships had been considerably strengthened, highlighting the system wide flourish framework and vision.
Thank you for to those of you supported the inspection process and to all Norfolk's schools and academies for your ongoing work to support our children and young people to flourish.