Flintshire children’s services improve but risks remain, says watchdog
Flintshire children’s services have been praised for progress since 2023 but still face significant challenges, according to a new report from Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW).
The improvement check, carried out in July and published this month, followed up on areas identified in a 2023 inspection.
Inspectors noted “solid progress” in leadership, workforce development, and accommodation for care leavers, but warned that problems with staffing and case management systems remain.
Council leaders highlighted the positive findings.
Sarah Grant, Senior Manager of Children’s Services, said: “We are very pleased with the outcome of this improvement check, which confirms the progress we’ve made since the last inspection. Our priority remains the same: to provide safe, responsive, and high-quality support to children and families.”
CIW praised the authority’s culture and leadership, reporting that 87 per cent of surveyed staff would recommend working in Flintshire.
Inspectors also noted reduced homelessness among young people leaving care and a range of early help and preventative services for families.
However, the report warned that workforce fragility continues to affect the council’s ability to deliver services consistently.
Heavy reliance on agency staff has led to instability for children and families, with some experiencing frequent changes of social worker.
The watchdog also raised concerns about the council’s social care data recording system, which inspectors said hampers timely decision-making and record keeping.
Although a new system is planned, CIW stressed that accurate recording must be maintained in the meantime.
Other issues identified include delays in completing safeguarding enquiries and meetings within required timescales, limited local provision for some children with complex needs, and pressure on overnight short-breaks for disabled children.
Inspectors also found that care plans and core group meetings were not always outcome-focused, and that referrers were not consistently informed of case outcomes.
Councillor Christine Jones, Cabinet member for Social Services, said: “This latest CIW improvement check is a strong endorsement of the steady and thoughtful progress we’ve made as a service. I’m proud to say that we’ve built on our strengths and responded proactively to every recommendation.”
CIW concluded that while progress has been made, further action is required in several areas.
It will continue to monitor Flintshire’s performance through its regular review programme.
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