Child care is getting better in Buckinghamshire. But more work needs to be done.
That is the verdict from the Government's childrens' service inspectors at Ofsted in a monitoring letter published on Tuesday.
The letter followed a third visit from Ofsted in April, during which inspectors looked at the way the county was placing and supporting children in its care.
Ofsted has been critical in the past but the letter noted that the county's focus on care had improved stating: "The development of an increasingly stable workforce with manageable caseloads, has been critical to the progress achieved to date.
"Social workers spoken to by inspectors are positive about working in Buckinghamshire and morale is good."
But the inspectors noted that there is more work to be done to ensure the improvement is maintained.
Warren Whyte, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “I am pleased that Ofsted inspectors are seeing the improvements we are making in Buckinghamshire and that it has been recognised that we are striving to understand children’s views about their care, which is so important. We know there is more to be done in specific areas but overall this is another positive step for us.
"I want to recognise and thank all of our committed staff, who are working very hard to bring all aspects of support for children and families up to the level they deserve.”
Gladys Rhodes White, Interim Executive Director for Children’s Services, said her team was now working directly with children and young people to take their own wishes into account.
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