We were asked to review the impact of our work on children, young people, their families and wider communities during a yearly check-in with the independent regulator.
Senior leaders from children’s services met with inspectors for a ‘positive’ engagement meeting which focused on family help and children’s social care.
It was a chance to look at performance, discuss challenges and allow Ofsted to maintain an up-to-date understanding of the council’s work.
Following the meeting, the inspectors said that Derbyshire continues to demonstrate strong and effective leadership, with a clear focus on improving the experiences of children, young people, their families and wider communities.
The development of the Family First Partnership – where agencies work more closely together to support and protect families – was also highlighted.
Discussions also focused on local government reforms and the inspectors noted that while this created a challenging backdrop to planning this would not slow the pace of improvements, with the authority continuing to maintain and develop its key priorities
A ‘forward-thinking’ council, Derbyshire has a pro-active approach where planning, effective working and strong relationships with staff and local communities would help it to maintain progress during a period of significant national reform, added the letter.
It is realistic about financial and structural challenges yet remains firmly focused on safeguarding, prevention and improving life chances for children, it added.
And the council recognises the importance of learning from its peers to build on best practice and what works, including putting families at the heart of its planning.
The letter also notes the council is proud of its support for children in care, reports a reduction in the numbers of children it looks after and a decrease in social worker caseloads.
Cabinet Member for Children and Families Councillor Sam Redfern said:
“I’m delighted that the work we do to ensure that every child in Derbyshire has the best start in life is being acknowledged by Ofsted.
“As is our continued commitment to working with partners to keep all children and young people safe, to put them and their families at the heart of our services and enable them to thrive and realise their dreams and ambitions.”
Following the annual engagement meeting it is expected that Ofsted will revisit Derbyshire later this year for an Area Special Educational Needs and Disabilities inspection followed later by an Inspection of Local Authority Children’s Services.