Sefton Council appointed a new director of children's services after Ofsted inspectors identified 'widespread failures'
In May 2023, Sefton Council officially appointed Dr Hare as its new director of children's services and he was tasked with managing the local authority's 'improvement journey'. At the time, Sefton was still reeling from a damning 2022 Ofsted report which identified "widespread failures" in the service which left children in "high risk situations" for too long.
"There was a vacuum in leadership and vision. People had lost their way and were unsure about what their actual job was about." Since the 2022 Ofsted report, Sefton Council have invested records amounts of funding and resource into their failing children's services. Another significant investment was confirmed for the council's 2024/25 budget and Dr Hare is adamant this level of funding is needed to support a vital service in the borough.
Furthermore, attention was also drawn to underperforming multi-agency working practices. Whilst the report confirmed 'immediate safety actions' are identified, planning to protect children whose safety is still being investigated is 'largely absent'. The council have also announced provision for one hundred new school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities. The latest project to be approved was the creation of a SEN unit at Marshside Primary School in Southport.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
£12m development with new council houses launchedThe homes will be Sefton Council's first new council houses for 18 years
Read more »
Labour retain control of Sefton Council as Greens make historyRuling group take key Tory seat but Green Party sees first ever councillor elected in borough
Read more »
One of council's 'breakthrough' children's homes gets Ofsted 'outstanding' rating for second year runningA council-run children’s home has been rated outstanding by inspectors for the second year running.
Read more »
One of council's 'breakthrough' children's homes gets Ofsted 'outstanding' rating for second year runningA council-run children’s home has been rated outstanding by inspectors for the second year running.
Read more »
Ofsted delivers fresh verdict on Liverpool CouncilLast summer, services were deemed inadequate, with 'serious weaknesses' found within the team
Read more »
The Humber local elections 2024 results in full - council by councilLocal election results for Hull and North East Lincolnshire councils
Read more »