Durham ‘leads the way’ on social care

A North East council has been selected to help improve children’s social care services across the country after being recognised for its own high standards.

Durham County Council has been chosen to join the Government’s Children’s Social Care Improvement Teams programme, which uses expertise from high-performing authorities to support those requiring improvement.

The council is one of six authorities selected for the programme’s second wave following an interview and selection process.

It will provide intensive practical support, advice and guidance to councils judged inadequate by Ofsted and those requiring targeted improvement.

Support will focus on identifying the causes of underperformance, strengthening leadership and governance and improving the quality of social care practice.

Launched by the Department for Education, the programme is based on councils sharing proven approaches and expertise to drive peer-led improvement.

Durham’s involvement will see its teams work directly with other authorities to help deliver sustainable improvements to services for children and families.

Councillor Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been selected to lead the way in supporting the development of children’s social care around the country through the CIT programme.

“In County Durham, we take pride in treating every child as part of the Durham Family, ensuring their individual needs are met, they are listened to, and they are supported with opportunities that allow them to grow and thrive.

“To be selected for this programme is fantastic national recognition of the high quality of our children’s social care services.

“We are looking forward to supporting colleagues in other local authority areas by sharing our best practices and expertise and, ultimately, improving outcomes for children not just in County Durham but UK-wide.”

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