Inspectors praise partnership helping to keep children safe

• A report praising the improvement in Gloucestershire’s ability to recognise and respond to children ‘at risk’ is published today
• Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Chris Nelson welcomed its findings that most young people living in the county, who are identified as needing help and protection, receive a swift response from the appropriate agencies
• The report follows an in-depth, week-long, assessment of the Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership by inspectors from Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission, and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services and highlights the strength of Gloucestershire’s strategic partnership between the county council, NHS and police
• Mr. Nelson said, “The report found that when children’s needs warrant further social care intervention, assessments are detailed and thorough and it is very reassuring that children may be seen on the same day if it’s thought necessary”.

An official report praising the improvement in Gloucestershire’s ability to recognise and respond to children at risk, has been welcomed by Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson.

Inspectors found that most young people living in the county, who are identified as being in need of help and protection, receive a swift response from the appropriate agencies.

Daily conferences mean that those deemed most at risk can be seen that day

The report follows a week-long, in-depth, assessment of the Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Partnership in June by inspectors from Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission, and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.

Among its findings, published today, is praise for the daily meetings where information is shared and next steps are identified and considered. Including, who is best to work with children and their families.

It also highlights the strength of Gloucestershire’s strategic partnership between the county council, NHS and police.

Mr. Nelson said, “I welcome this report which confirms the very real improvements made following the last full Ofsted inspection in 2022.

“The report found that when children’s needs warrant further social care intervention, assessments are detailed and thorough and it is very reassuring that children may be seen on the same day if it’s thought necessary.

“The strong partnership between schools and the police was praised, and in particular, officers attending assemblies to talk to children about issues like knife crime and keeping safe online. Inspectors found this is highly valued by schools who say it is effective in de-escalating issues that may otherwise increase risks to children.

“Steps are being taken to make progress in the areas that inspectors found needed improvement. That too is reassuring as we can never become complacent. But overall, this is a very positive result”.

A full copy of the report can be found on the Ofsted website here: 50225172 (ofsted.gov.uk)