Children's services show 'significant improvement'

Children's services across Blackburn and Darwen have "significantly improved" in the last few years, government inspectors have found.

The service was rated as "requires improvement" by Ofsted in 2022 but following an inspection in March, it has been upgraded to a "good" rating.

The report said a new senior leadership team had "injected energy and pace to facilitate improvements and ensure that children and care leavers benefit from effective social work".

It praised senior staff as "highly credible, openly accountable and trusted by staff".

Inspectors also described how social workers "take time to develop meaningful rapport and trust with children".

However, they said some 16 and 17-year-olds who presented as homeless were not being provided "with a consistent service that assesses their needs swiftly and makes them aware of their rights and entitlements".

It also said not all those leaving care had "experienced good practice" though there had been "significant progress" in the service since the last inspection's "very low starting point".

Councillor Julie Gunn, executive member for children, young people and education, said: "We have a can-do spirit and so much pride here.

"It is hugely gratifying that this latest inspection recognises the real determination, time and energy that I see day in, day out to make sure our children and families get the best possible support and help."

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