Agenda item

11.1  The chair invited Rory Patterson, Deputy Director; specialist children’s services, to present the Ofsted inspection of Safeguarding and Looked After Children Services. The Deputy Director noted that Southwark Council had received a ‘good’ result with ‘outstanding’ features. He report that the service is pleased with that result, although of course they would have liked outstanding at every level.

11.2  The Deputy Director reported that inspectors talked many people including  parents, children, social workers, partners and members. He commented that the report indicated that staff felt supported, which pleased the service. The Deputy Director emphasised that Southwark cannot rest on its laurels, because places like Sutton and Kingston have received inadequate reports.

11.1  He explained that Ofsted are moving to unannounced inspections. The next inspection is expected to be about children’s journeys. He reported that that the inspectors noted the positive contribution made by this committee. The chair added that he had been interviewed by the inspectors.

11.2  The chair asked if Ofsted would still interview both cabinet and scrutiny members when they move to unannounced inspections. The Deputy Director confirmed that they would; for quality of ambition. The chair noted that the annual report and interview of the independent safeguarding chair is due in a few months time.