Hebden Bridge News

Calderdale Children’s Services Issued With Final Warning

Following a recent meeting between Councillor Craig Whittaker, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People’s Services, and the Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families, Dawn Primarolo, Calderdale Council has been issued with an improvement notice by the Government after their children’s services were judged to be inadequate by OFSTED.

The Department of Children, Schools and Families has also moved to appoint an external chair to the Improvement Board established by the Council and to offer additional support to ensure that these services improve quickly and sustainably.

This comes after a number of reports have been critical of the Council’s failure to protect vulnerable children at risk of abuse, three serious case reviews in 14 months and the death of two children.

Responding to the latest announcement, Calder Valley ’s Labour Parliamentary Candidate, Steph Booth, said:

“I welcome the fact that Calderdale Council have accepted the OFSTED criticism of its Children and Young People’s Services and has agreed to this government intervention.

“The appointment of an external chair will provide the openness and accountability the people of Calderdale need to demonstrate this crucial department is improving and we can be reassured the safety and welfare of our children and young people is a high priority for Calderdale Council.”