Cumbria County Council has regained its one-star status for social care services following significant improvements over the last year CSCI confirms today.
The annual performance assessment of Cumbria County Council's new children's services directorate, which includes children's social care services and education, is also published. The report identifies improvements made over the last year and confirms that the overall performance rating for the service is now Grade 2.
This year, for the first time, the government inspectors report on children's social care in the county includes an assessment for education to reflect the recent creation of the Children's Services Directorate which has united children's social care services and education.
Social services inspectors visited the county council in October 2003 and identified some 'unsafe practices' in the service. Since then, and following subsequent assessments, inspectors have concluded that problems have been largely rectified.
County councillor Philip Chappelhow, cabinet spokesman for children's services said:
“This year's inspection reports have highlighted a number of significant improvements and I am pleased that inspectors have recognised the progress made on performance improvement this year. However, we know there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.
"Improving the practice, capacity and management systems within our service to ensure we serve children and families well in Cumbria is one of our main priorities. There is some good practice to build on and longer-term plans agreed over the last year are starting to reap benefits. We will continue to build on these strengths and focus on the areas identified by the inspectors to make sure we continually improve the services for vulnerable people. I would like to congratulate all the staff involved for their hard work and dedication."
The report will be published on the Ofsted and Commission of Social Care Inspectorate (CSCI) websites on 1st December. The report will also form part of the overall comprehensive performance assessment (CPA) for all local government services which is due to be announced later in December.