Safeguarding inspection recognises progress and identifies improvements needed in Gwynedd
A joint inspection by Estyn and Care Inspectorate Wales has recognised Gwynedd Council's clear commitment to strengthening safeguarding arrangements whilst identifying important areas for continued improvement.
The inspection found that senior leaders have established a clear vision for safeguarding with decisive governance structures in place.
Key strengths identified include:
- Strong leadership commitment at all levels
- Enhanced multi-agency collaboration between education and children's services
- Improved multi-agency working, and stronger emphasis on children's voices in safeguarding processes
- Comprehensive training programmes being developed
- More effective measurement of the impact of safeguarding interventions on children's wellbeing
- Greater consistency in applying Wales Safeguarding Procedures, particularly Section 5
- Specific training on recognising and responding to grooming
- Stronger quality assurance frameworks
The inspectors also identified areas requiring further development:
The Council has been working to improve safeguarding since September 2023 and has implemented learning from an Extended Child Practice Review published in October 2025.