Transcript Challenges-and-best-practice-in-Norfolk

Equality improvement in Children’s
Services.
Debby Mckechnie
What did we already know?
• That we had to get better
• Every audit showed limited evidence, if any, that
children’s identity was coming alive through
assessments, reports and planning.
• There was limited training available that was
specific to work with children and their families
• We did not have accurate, valid information
about children’s identity in every case.
What did Ofsted find?
• Ethnicity and communication needs of
children and families are routinely
identified.
• The evaluation of strengths and needs
arising from diversity in the work of CAF is
a particular strength.
• This is less evident in assessments by
children’s social care.
What else did they find?
• Ethnicity and language are consistently
identified, with some good work with children
seeking asylum.
• Attention to equality and diversity factors in
respect of disability services is good.
• Safeguarding outcomes – equality and diversity
was considered adequate
• Outcomes for looked after children and care
leavers – equality and diversity was considered
adequate
Within 3 months we had to……
• Ensure that assessments fully consider
issues of ethnicity, religion, culture and
identity and that services are responsive to
these needs to enable full engagement by
children and their families.
So what did we do?
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Established the Equalities steering group
Developed the Equalities action plan
Supported the equalities symposium
Established a number of task and finish
groups to support the ambition of the
steering group
• Actively collected missing identity
information about our children and their
families
What else did we do?
• Developed key messages for staff
• Set 2 key performance indicators
• Developed a learning and development
strategy
• Delivered action learning sets to front line
team and assistant team managers
• Proposed that common appraisal targets
related to equality and diversity were set
across children’s services work force.
What negatively affects families
access to services
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Discrimination and prejudice
Lack of trust
Inappropriate services
Services with an apparent lack of cultural
competence
• Workers apparent inability to understand
individuals and their backgrounds
How do we improve?
Increase the participation of children by….
 Asking them about themselves
 Recognising that children have something to
say, that it will be valued and responded to
 Listen to children’s aspirations
 Give children relevant and valid information to
make choices
 Actively involve children in their planning
 Give then access to advocacy services
How we are going to promote positive
attitudes and challenge prejudice
• Treasure diversity
• Challenge at all levels those who are resistant to
including children and their families
• Know how to provide a service that is committed
to equality and diversity
• Understand our statutory responsibilities
• Establish an inclusive culture
• Increase the confidence of parents, carers and
children that their needs will be met.