Children services in Milton Keynes '˜require improvement' say Ofsted

Children services in Milton Keynes have been told they '˜require improvement' by Ofsted.

A team of 10 Ofsted inspectors spent four weeks examining the services provided by Milton Keynes Council and have highlighted that some changes need to be made if the service is to improve to ‘good’ status.

The inspectors found many positives including work to tackle child sexual exploitation and improve education outcomes for children in care in MK.

However it was identified that our local authority is insufficient in a number of aspects of the services.

The report said: “The services have not been effective in identifying key weaknesses in practice and the focus is too heavy on compliance, rather than on quality and children’s experiences.

“Performance information is underdeveloped, data is not reliable in all areas, particularly relating to care leavers and adoption, and performance management oversight is not sufficient.

It continued: “Relevant agencies are not involved in supporting evaluations of risk in regards to safeguarding, and if relevant agencies are not involved, the effectiveness of planning and safeguarding action is undermined.” Councillor Zoe Nolan, said: “I am delighted that Ofsted has found that our service is safe.

“They have outlined what is required for us to become good and I am very pleased that our reputation for innovation is being recognised and that we have got through to the final shortlist for additional funding by government.

“The report identifies many strengths and we have already started work on action to address the areas for development”.

A spokesperson from the council, said: “Ofsted requires council to submit a plan to address the recommendations within 70 days. 
“We are well on the way to completing this and expect to submit it by Christmas.”