Buckinghamshire Safeguarding Children Partnership receives mixed review in Joint Inspection
Following a comprehensive joint inspection, Buckinghamshire council have bene told to provide an action plan to address areas in need of improvement to enhance child welfare efforts
Last updated 15th Mar 2024
A recent joint inspection by Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has highlighted both strengths and areas needing improvement in the Buckinghamshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (BSCP).
The inspection, conducted from 22 to 26 January 2024, assessed the multi-agency response to identifying initial needs and risks for children in Buckinghamshire.
Key Findings:
The BSCP has seen significant changes in the last two years, affecting partner relationships.
Efforts to improve joint working and data collection are noted, but further consolidation is needed.
While positive examples of effective partnership working exist, there are delays and gaps in information-sharing between agencies.
Recommendations for improvement include enhancing performance data analysis, refining sub-group effectiveness, and involving schools more in strategic planning.
Despite challenges, successes are seen in timely responses to safeguarding concerns, particularly in mental health support and police referrals.
The family support service is commended for its effectiveness in providing timely assistance to families in need.
What Needs Improvement:
Consolidating performance data for better understanding of family issues.
Strengthening effectiveness of sub-groups within the partnership.
Enhancing multi-agency training based on strategic needs analysis.
Increasing involvement of schools and colleges in partnership strategies.
Ensuring timeliness and consistency in social work assessments.
Improving quality, consistency, and timeliness of information-sharing between partner agencies.
Strengths Highlighted:
Effective support provided by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
Prompt responses to safeguarding concerns at the ‘front door’ level.
Successful partnerships between social care and maternity services.
Positive impact of family support services in providing timely assistance.
Effective measures to identify and support children at risk of exploitation.
Next Steps:
Buckinghamshire Council, as the principal authority, is tasked with preparing a written statement of proposed actions in response to the inspection findings. This multi-agency response will involve all relevant individuals and agencies, overseen by local safeguarding partners.
The Director of Children’s Services is required to submit the written statement of action by 26 June 2024, which will inform future inspections and activities by the inspectorates.
The inspection aims to ensure ongoing improvement in safeguarding efforts for children in Buckinghamshire, reflecting a commitment to their welfare and protection.
Greatest Hits Radio Bucks, Beds and Herts have approached Buckinghamshire Council for a comment.
Council Reply
Councillor Joseph Baum is Buckinghamshire Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services. He said:
“This inspection examined the processes in place for managing initial reports of need and risk for children in Buckinghamshire – and this involves the work in partnership of the police, the council and relevant health services. We are pleased with many of the findings of this report which notes that there are many examples of the partners working effectively together to support children, and that children’s mental and emotional health are supported well. It was pleasing to see the inspectors recognise the very strong partnerships that are in place and that the services know themselves well, which is critical in ensuring that referrals are responded to quickly and are well managed.
The report notes that where concerns about children’s safety are high, the response and necessary initial discussions are held promptly. The report also notes that even in the context of increased demand, good progress has been made in reducing the time taken to process referrals. Importantly too, the report notes the good support provided to the families of children who are being helped by these services.
The report does identify areas of improvement and we know there is still progress to be made, particularly around how all partner agencies share critical information in a timely manner. Protecting and supporting children is the utmost priority of all the agencies involved in this work and we thank the inspectors for their overview of our services. We will be responding with an action plan within the requested timeframe.”