Children’s services ‘improving’ – Ofsted
Council-run children’s services have improved significantly, despite workforce shortages compounding difficulties in education and social care, according to Ofsted.
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Councils report increase in child safeguarding
Many councils are seeing an overall increase in safeguarding activity in response to the “multi-faceted challenges” children and families face, according to a new report by the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS).
Adult social care ‘invisible’
The continued “invisibility” of the adult social care sector is “increasingly damaging” to those who draw on care and those who provide unpaid care at a time of increasing need, rising costs and a shrinking workforce.
Autumn Statement: ‘better than feared’
More money for social care and schools, a 7 per cent cap on social housing rent rises, and new devolution deals in Cornwall, Suffolk, Norfolk and the North East were among the announcements in last month’s Autumn Statement.
End crisis of unaccompanied children in hotels, urges LGA
The LGA has called on the Government to end the crisis of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children being placed in hotels.
Housing standards letter sent to councils
All local authorities have been asked to review housing conditions in their area, following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak as a result of mould in his family home.
Cutting community courses ‘could leave job vacancies unfilled’
Future teachers, carers and nurses could be held back from realising their potential if proposed cuts to community learning courses go ahead, the LGA has warned.
Sexual health services ‘at breaking point’
Local sexual health services are at breaking point as attendance has skyrocketed while funding has reduced, a new LGA report has warned.
Children’s tooth extraction backlog fears
The number of children’s teeth extractions carried out under general anaesthetic in hospital because of decay has tumbled to record lows, amid fears many are missing out on vital treatment.