York Appointed as Children’s Social Care Improvement Team by Department for Education

York's Children’s Services have received a significant boost as they have been appointed by the Department for Education (DfE) to assist other local councils in improving their children’s services. This new role as a Children’s Social Care Improvement Team (CIT) marks an important step for York, showcasing the city’s commitment to enhancing the lives of children and families across the country.

York's Journey to Excellence

The appointment not only highlights York's dedication to helping others but also reflects its own remarkable improvement journey. Just a few years ago, York’s Children’s Services were rated as ‘Requires Improvement’. However, through hard work and a focus on child welfare, they achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating in a recent assessment cycle. This transformation is a testament to the efforts of the city’s social care teams and their commitment to providing excellent service to local children and families.

Cllr Bob Webb, the Executive member for Children, Young People and Education at City of York Council, expressed pride in this achievement, stating:

“Being chosen as a Children’s Social Care Improvement team is a real honour and a significant national achievement for our Children’s Services Team and the wider council.”

Supporting Other Local Authorities

As a Children’s Social Care Improvement Team, York will not only continue to refine its own services but also share valuable insights and strategies with other councils facing challenges. This collaborative approach aims to uplift children’s services nationally, ensuring that children receive the best possible care and support.

Cllr Webb added:

“Becoming an Improvement Team will not only enable us to continue to learn, and improve our work in York, but also to share our learning and support other councils on their improvement journeys.”

This sharing of knowledge is crucial, as it helps build stronger networks of support for children and families across the UK.

Families First Reforms

In addition to this new role, York's council is actively involved in shaping the national Families First reforms. These reforms focus on keeping children safely with their families whenever possible. The aim is to strengthen family networks, help children return home when appropriate, and ensure they remain safe and connected to their communities. This initiative is essential for fostering a nurturing environment for children, which is at the heart of York’s mission.

Recent Successes in Education

The recognition of York’s children’s services comes on the heels of a successful summer for the city’s young people. Pupils in York have once again achieved some of the best Key Stage 4 and A Level results in the country. This academic success is further evidence of the positive impact that York's Children’s Services have on the community. The combination of strong educational outcomes and effective social care services paints a promising picture for the future of children and families in York. The council's ongoing efforts to improve and innovate in these areas are likely to lead to even greater achievements in the years to come.