Partners in Warrington have been praised by inspectors for their work in helping and protecting children and families, following a Joint Targeted Area Inspection (JTAI).
A JTAI is a joint inspection by Ofsted, the CQC and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), which looks at how effectively local agencies work together to keep children safe. These local agencies include the council, Cheshire Police and NHS organisations.
The inspection in Warrington, which took place earlier this year, examined how local partners work effectively together to identify and respond to the needs of children and young people.
Inspectors found that potential issues and needs of children are identified early, with effective multi-agency arrangements in place to respond. These strong partnerships, and a culture focused on improving outcomes for vulnerable children, has led to high praise for the agencies involved in the inspection.
The JTAI report, published on 16 July, highlights strong and respectful relationships between partner organisations, effective safeguarding arrangements, and innovative work that is making a real difference for children and families.
The report also highlights that when children and families need advice, help or support over a range of needs, local family hubs are accessible and staff are welcoming. Equally, inspectors identified the strong inclusion of education providers within local safeguarding arrangements, and the development of Warrington’s multi-agency child protection team.
The inspection identified two areas for improvement, relating to the sharing of safety planning information, and strengthening partner involvement at the earliest stages of the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme process (also known as “Clare’s law”). Inspectors found these issues affected a relatively small number of children and noted that the overall safeguarding partnership is strong and effective.
The council’s cabinet member for children’s services, Cllr Matt Smith, said: “This is an outstanding result and recognises how well we work in partnership across Warrington. Collectively, we are making a difference to our children, young people and families.
“This report is particularly welcome because it reflects the hard work, professionalism and commitment of colleagues across the council, health services, police, schools, voluntary organisations and our wider safeguarding partnership.
“The findings show that, by working together, we are creating the right culture, focusing on the right priorities and delivering effective support for some of our most vulnerable residents.”
The council’s Director of Children’s Services, Sharon Cooper, said: “The Warrington Safeguarding Partnership are pleased inspectors from Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission and the Criminal Justice Inspectorate have recognised the strong, effective, and well-developed safeguarding arrangements which safeguard children from harm across Warrington.
“It takes professionals from all agencies working together to ensure strong practice identifies harm and acts swiftly once identified. We are proud of the relationships we have with our partner agencies and as always will continue to build upon and strengthen these further.”
Partners will now develop a joint action plan in response to the inspection’s findings, building on the significant strengths identified in the report and addressing the areas highlighted for further improvement.
