Family Rights Group | FGC and Lifelong Links Network Discussion Forum

Hi all
Does anyone have any comments received about their service following an OFSTED investigation. Please either post them here which allows you to publicise how great your service is to the whole world, or send me them discreetly to sharesnape@frg.org.uk

Cheers
Sean

LOCAL AUTHORITIES - IF YOU WANT TO BE JUDGED 'GOOD' YOU WILL NEED FGCS!

New mention of FGCs in OFSTED guidance on the inspection of childrens' services

31. A local authority is likely to be judged good if:
 Decisions to look after children and young people are timely and made only when it is in their best interests. Those decisions are based on clear, effective, comprehensive and risk-based assessments involving other professionals working with the family where appropriate.
 There is evidence of the effective use of the Public Law Outline, including letters before proceedings, family group conferences and parallel planning. Care is used only if this is in the child’s best interests. Children and young people are safely and successfully returned home; where this is not possible for them, permanent plans are made for them to live away from the family home. Families are made aware of, and encouraged to access, legal advice and advocacy

See document attached

I've just completed a desktop review of all single inspection reports for 2014 to see what mention there is of FGCs... findings will be reported at future network meetings but in short:

I looked at 39 single inspections conducted from beginning of 2014 to early 2015 and searched for mentions of FGCs
24 made no mention of FGCs - 61.5%
15 made mention of FGCs - 38.5%
Recurring themes were: Edge of care; pre- proceedings work, outcome evidence; effective and flexible targeting of the model; tracking and de-escalation of cases

Any other info on how OFSTED approach FGC work greatly received.