Ofsted praises the quality of social work in Hartlepool for improving children's lives

Two Ofsted inspectors carried out a two-day ‘focused visit’ in March of Hartlepool Borough Council’s arrangements for children in need, and children subject to a child protection plan.

It included speaking to social workers and managers within the service. Ofsted praised the quality of social work for such children they said has continued to improve since their last full inspection in July 2018 in spite of demand increasing.

Inspector Lisa Summers said: “Senior managers have created additional capacity to help maintain manageable caseloads to enable social workers to deliver high-quality direct work with children and their families.

“As a result, children’s circumstances are improving.”

Inspectors found strong and effective working between the council and partner agencies saying children and families access a broad range of timely help and support with ease as a result.

Although domestic abuse is a significant issue in the town, Ofsted said dedicated family support workers and the Intensive

Response Team (IRT) help deliver tailored packages of support.

“As a result, many children’s lives are improving,” said Ms Summers.

Wherever possible social workers remain with a family meaning they get to know each other well adding: “Inspectors saw excellent examples of highly effective direct work, particularly in the disabled children’s team.”

Areas highlighted for improvement were the frequency of formal supervisions to match the level of risk to children, and quicker authoritative action to escalate decisions when children’s circumstances are not improving.

Councillor Leisa Smith, Chair of the Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “The pressures faced by Children’s Services are well documented, and that is why the outcome of this inspection is so impressive.

“The inspectors have highlighted numerous instances of excellent practice, praising both senior managers and frontline social workers in the process.

“I would like to thank everyone for their dedication and commitment to children and families in Hartlepool, it is reassuring to know that they are in such good hands.”

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