Ofsted state that children were put at risk by 'inadequate' Council

 

Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor Brian Silvester is shocked at the damning Ofsted report on the Child Protection arrangements in Cheshire East. (See attached)

He said," The overall judgement  of 'inadequate' means that the service was not even meeting minimum standards. The report states that,' Children, young people and their families experience poor recognition of risk, delays and inconsistent management decision making.This increases children and young people's potential risk of harm. Planning for children and young people in need is also inadequate.' The Council was formed in 2009 so they have had 4 years to ensure that proper Child Protection arrangements are in place. They have failed to do so. There will now be a blizzard of activity but that action should have been taken years ago. Over the years the Council has carried out a self assessment and a peer review and a mock inspection was completed. Also a Childrens Services Scrutiny Committee has been in place to ensure that proper arrangements are in place. Despite all this activity it has taken an unannounced outside inspection to find that  Child Protection arrangements in Cheshire East are inadequate overall and that even minimum standards are not being met. The Council must act quickly to put their house in order to ensure that all our young people are properly protected."

Cllr Brian Silvester
Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor

Cheshire East Council

Tel/fax 01270 567757