Young people in the care of Bath & North East Somerset are supported well into adulthood, an Ofsted report has said.
The Guildhall in Bath
The local authority has welcomed the findings of a recent inspection of its Children’s Services’ provision for care experienced young people.
Inspectors said the culture and warmth given are a strength and that a stable leadership team and workforce mean that young people benefit from enduring relationships with people who care for them and about them.
They said trusting relationships with their social workers and personal advisers helped young people to make progress and to have positive experiences.
Young people are encouraged by their personal advisers to fulfil their ambitions through study or work.
Mandy Bishop, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s chief operating officer, said: “I am very pleased that inspectors acknowledged our commitment to getting services right for care experienced young people.
“They also acknowledged we are self-aware and know that there is always more to do which reflects our continuous ambitions for our young people.
“Our Children’s Social Care team should be very proud of the outcome of this inspection which shines a light on the council’s purpose of Improving People’s Lives.”
Inspectors noted that the local authority has committed corporate and political investment and prioritised care experienced young people across the service.
The council continues to value the involvement of young people in shaping its services. Corporate leaders and elected members have made leaving care a protected characteristic, and signed up to the Care Leaver Covenant.
The inspection report says personal advisers are warm and driven to make sure care experienced young people are helped to navigate their way through complex emotional trauma.
Young people said that they feel supported and that senior leaders listen to them.
Care experienced young people with additional vulnerabilities receive early support to stop their situations escalating. Care experienced young people who are former unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are exceptionally well supported with their mental health and diverse needs.
A summary of the findings of the focused visit to the council’s children’s services can be found on the Ofsted website here.
