Luton children’s services goes from ‘inadequate’ to helping other councils improve

Luton’s children’s services has been chosen by the government to help other councils improve their social care, just months after being rated ‘good’ by Ofsted and six years after being deemed ‘inadaquate’.

The Department for Education (DfE) has selected Luton Council to join its Children’s Social Care Improvement Teams programme, recognising the expertise developed by the service during a major six-year improvement journey.

The move represents a striking change in Luton’s position within children’s social care.

In 2020, the council’s children’s services was judged ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted and was placed on a major improvement programme.

Following years of work, the service was rated ‘good’ earlier this year, with inspectors praising the significant progress made and the “care, love and commitment” shown by staff to children and young people.

Now Luton is being asked to share what it has learned with other local authorities.

Councillor Umme Ali, Deputy Leader of Luton Council and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, described the announcement as “a hugely proud moment for Luton”.

“Six years ago, we were a service that needed significant improvement and support,” she said.

“Today, we are being asked by government to use the expertise we have developed to help other councils improve their services for children and families. That is a remarkable transformation.”

The first partnerships between Luton’s improvement team and other local authorities are expected to begin in October.

Cllr Ali said the achievement reflected the work of staff, partners, children, young people and families, as well as councillors across the political spectrum who had provided “leadership, challenge and support” during the improvement process.

“It is also testament to the love, care and compassion our staff show every day in supporting some of our most vulnerable children and young people to thrive, feel safe and reach their full potential,” she said.

Luton has also become increasingly involved in national programmes aimed at changing and improving children’s services.

These include the Families First for Children Pathfinder, SEND reform and fostering reform.

The council’s Youth Partnership Service was also rated ‘Good’ following a recent national Youth Justice inspection.

The new role means Luton will move from being a council receiving improvement support to one trusted by the government to provide expertise to others.

Cllr Ali said the focus would remain on improving services for children and families in Luton while sharing the lessons from the council’s own experience.

“Most importantly, this is about better outcomes for children and families in Luton,” she said.

“The work does not stop here. We will continue to challenge ourselves to improve while sharing what we have learned with others and playing our part in strengthening children’s services nationally.”

The council said it would continue working with children, young people, families, partners and elected members as it builds on the improvements made since the 2020 Ofsted judgement.