Bracknell children’s services were judged as outstanding in five different categories after Ofsted visited Bracknell Forest between 8 and 12 December.
Ofsted graded the team on: the experiences and progress of children in care and those who need help and protection, the experiences and progress of care leavers, the impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families and the overall effectiveness. In each category, the council’s work was judged as ‘outstanding’.
Cllr Bailey stressed that a ‘vast array of other people’ contributed to the result and worked closely with young people in Bracknell.
The report also says “political and corporate leaders prioritise investment into Bracknell Forest’s children and families, and they respond swiftly to surges in demand”.
The verdict gave the children’s team a boost, the council said, because people in these roles receive frequent complaints due to the nature of the job. Cabinet member, Roy Bailey, said: “This is testimony to the hard working, professional staff at Bracknell Forest Council, and the support and encouragement from our partners and volunteers.
“To be told had done everything so well to help the children left people happy.
“It’s a celebration. It’s a genuine, genuine cause for celebration.”
But Cllr Bailey warned against complacency and acknowledged that parents of children with special needs and disabilities (SEND) in Bracknell need better provision. He said: “We will get some kick-back from some of the SEND parents, but to get outstanding in all those categories is incredible.
“It’s a great accolade for hard working staff who’ve given their all.
“Importantly, the main beneficiaries are the children, whose voices we have heard and acknowledged.”
Ofsted praised Bracknell Forest’s wide range of early help services, saying they give families the tools they need to stay strong and resilient. The report notes that: “Children build trusting relationships with practitioners who step in early to avoid problems getting worse; that young carers are quickly offered social activities and therapeutic support, giving them valuable time for themselves and that professionals from across services work together to assess needs and offer tailored help as early as possible.”
Inspectors were also impressed by the council’s work with disabled children, saying social workers take time to understand each child’s individual needs and lived experiences. Children in care and care leavers were found to receive “outstanding help and support”.
The inspectors said: “Decisions for children to enter care are made at the right time and for the right reasons; that high‑quality assessments ensure children move into homes that are nurturing, stable and help them thrive; and that children are supported to make excellent progress at school and enjoy a wide range of opportunities.”
The team was also successful in finding long-term, stable homes for children, and this 'permanance' was described as timely and expertly overseen by knowledgeable managers.
Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter
