Council praised for safeguarding Cambs children

GOVERNMENT inspectors have praised Cambrigeshire County Council (CCC) for the services they provide in Huntingdon and Wisbech helping to safeguard children. But areas of improvements have been highlighted. An unannounced inspection carried out by Ofsted

GOVERNMENT inspectors have praised Cambrigeshire County Council (CCC) for the services they provide in Huntingdon and Wisbech helping to safeguard children.

But areas of improvements have been highlighted.

An unannounced inspection carried out by Ofsted in July and published last week, commended the council's 'strong commitment to improving children's services'.

Inspections described the authority's response to referrals of children at risk of harm as being 'timely and appropriate, which helps children to remain safe'.

They were also given credit for their 'robust' self-assessment procedures and the 'good day-to-day' advice and support given by managers.

In addition, Ofsted praised CCC for recognising the need for additional resources and making funding available to increase the number of social workers.

But the report also highlighted a number of criticisms including high staff turnover, high caseloads and historical recruitment difficulties.

They also criticised 'delays' in completing lower priority work and maintaining up-to-date electronic records.

Cllr Martin Curtis, the council's cabinet member for children said: "We are fully aware of where the challenges lie and have been working hard for some time to address these.