Care Inspectorate Wales concludes improvement check of Flintshire children services

We have recently completed an improvement check of Flintshire children's services, following the Performance Evaluation Inspection (PEI) in November 2023. This inspection was part of our planned programme of work and was not connected to any individual cases.

Key findings

Our improvement check found a mixed picture, with areas of improvement alongside important concerns that require attention.

Areas requiring improvement

• The local authority must continue efforts in ensuring a consistent, sufficient, qualified, and competent workforce is in place to meet its statutory duties.
• The local authority must adhere to the requirements of the Wales Safeguarding Procedures (WSP), maintain close oversight of performance and take all reasonable steps to minimise any delays occurring.
• The local authority should ensure all relevant agencies are consistently invited to strategy meetings.

Areas of improvement identified

• Leaders promote a positive culture through compassionate leadership resulting in a passionate and well-supported workforce to deliver services for children and families.
• Improved accommodation options and timely pathway planning has resulted in reduced instances of homelessness in care leavers transitioning to independence.
• There is a clear strategic focus on identifying and responding to families in need earlier, supported by partners to enhance local and regional services.

Next steps

We expect the local authority to consider the areas identified for improvement and take appropriate action to address and improve these areas. We will monitor progress closely through our ongoing performance review activity with the local authority. 

We are committed to ensuring that all children in Wales receive consistent protection and that local authorities meet the high standards required for child safeguarding. The improvement check follows the statutory responsibilities outlined in the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and helps determine how effectively local authorities support and sustain improvements for people and services.