In June 2022 Ofsted rated children’s services in Bracknell Forest as overall outstanding. Ofsted has now published the report for the most recent inspection in November 2023, in which it identified that children’s social care has continued to positively develop.
Ofsted inspectors have praised Bracknell Forest Council’s children’s social care service for this continued improvement.
Inspectors looked at the local authority’s arrangements for children looked after (in care) which was previously judged as good and noted the continued improvement since June 2022.
Inspectors looked at a range of evidence including discussions with social workers, managers, parents and children. They also looked at local authority performance management and quality assurance information, and children’s records.
There was a particular focus on decision-making for children in long-term care, the effectiveness of the support and permanence planning for children living long term with foster carers and the experiences of children with a disability who are looked after (in care).
The report stated that, as a result of effective reunification plans, an increasing number of children are staying within their own family networks. Many other children are well settled with their long-term foster carers. Children are supported well to reach their own goals, which improves their life chances and emotional wellbeing.
Working with multi-disciplinary professionals where necessary, children are supported well to reach their own goals, which improves their life chances and emotional well-being.
The inspectors found that social workers are very positive about working in Bracknell Forest, with manageable caseloads allowing professionals to have time to spend with children. The staff feel valued, and they can progress in their social work career. They also feel well supported by managers and leaders and, together with senior leaders, are ambitious for the children in their care.
Grainne Siggins, executive director for people at Bracknell Forest Council, said:
“We are incredibly proud of our workforce and the children we look after, who are amazing. It is really pleasing that the findings of the Ofsted focused visit identified how hard everyone strives to provide the best care for all children and work towards their best possible outcomes. This is achieved by working closely with foster carers, children, their families, parents, schools, partner organisations and supporting each other.
"Ofsted found that children benefit from the in-house multi-agency arrangements at Bracknell Forest. The Family Safeguarding Model is designed to give families the support they need to make progress with adult workers, missing and exploitation workers and children’s workers working together.”
Cllr Roy Bailey, executive member for children, young people and learning, said:
“It is a testament to the incredible work and dedication of the children’s services team, that the Ofsted inspectors found the service, which is already rated good, is continuing to improve. Our social workers are constantly working to find the best outcomes for the children in our care.”
