Growing up in rural Suffolk, the abundance of the natural world was easy to take for granted. I was lucky enough to have a vegetable patch in my parents’ garden, and the chance to learn about biodiversity and sustainability was never far away.
Council-run children’s services have improved significantly, despite workforce shortages compounding difficulties in education and social care, according to Ofsted.
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).
‘Corporate parent’ is the name given to the collective statutory responsibility of the whole council, and the personal responsibility of every councillor and council officer, for ensuring secure, nurturing and positive experiences for children in care and care leavers.
An LGA review has identified how library services can support the youngest children and their families.
Investment in early intervention support by councils in England halved from £3.8 billion to £1.9 billion between 2010/11 and 2020/21, according to a new report commissioned by a coalition of charities.
Latest figures show that spending to protect vulnerable children at risk of harm has increased by almost a quarter in five years, because of soaring demand for support.
Councils played a crucial role in education during the pandemic – the Government must recognise their importance.
Better understanding of private companies is needed to safeguard those in care.
