Ofsted report finds vulnerable children not asked their views
15:39 - 21/04/2011
Ofsted report finds vulnerable childr...
An Ofsted report providing an analysis of 67 serious case reviews (SCRs) has found that in many instances of serious abuse the views and feelings of vulnerable children are not being listened to.
The importance of listening to the voice of the child has been identified as a recurrent theme in previous Ofsted reports, and this latest evaluation has given the issue an even greater focus.
Ofsted have now said that social workers and childcare professionals must do more to ensure that the views of vulnerable children are being heard. Their findings indicate that a focus on the parent’s need for support often resulted in the child’s views and feelings being neglected. In some cases, the professionals involved did not even see the child.
The research revealed that in some cases children needed to be taken away from their carers to enable them to feel free to express their concerns. It highlighted a case in which children who had been physically and sexually abused within their family over many years had only spoken about their suffering when removed from their home environment.
Further to this, Ofsted inspectors were also concerned about cases in which adults speaking on behalf of children were also not listened to properly. The report identified a tendency to overlook fathers and male partners as a common theme in SCRs. Previous findings have also suggested that it needs to be made easier for members of the public to raise serious concerns on behalf of children.
Christine Gilbert, Chief Inspector at Ofsted, commented: “It is shocking to see that too often children in vulnerable situations are not heard by those who should be looking out for their interests.
“That is why this report’s focus on listening to children is so important.
“The report shares valuable lessons that can help protect children and prevent such tragic incidents.”
First Response Training offers a number of training courses for those in the child care sector. This includes Child Protection training, a 3-hour course which provides staff with an introduction to child protection and teaches delegates about their responsibilities for safeguarding children and what to do if they suspect abuse.
Pete Stock, Business Account Manager for the childcare sector, explains: “Child protection is a hugely important and sensitive issue. It is vital that those working with children are aware of their responsibilities, the indicators of abuse and how to take action.
"Our direct provision training course will provide them with the necessary knowledge in each of these areas, and we also offer an e-learning course in the subject. Candidates can therefore complete their training through distance learning or by attending a direct provision course, or they can use a blended learning option, using a combination of the two.”
Please call First Response on free phone 0800 310 2300 to find out more.
The importance of listening to the voice of the child has been identified as a recurrent theme in previous Ofsted reports, and this latest evaluation has given the issue an even greater focus.
Ofsted have now said that social workers and childcare professionals must do more to ensure that the views of vulnerable children are being heard. Their findings indicate that a focus on the parent’s need for support often resulted in the child’s views and feelings being neglected. In some cases, the professionals involved did not even see the child.
The research revealed that in some cases children needed to be taken away from their carers to enable them to feel free to express their concerns. It highlighted a case in which children who had been physically and sexually abused within their family over many years had only spoken about their suffering when removed from their home environment.
Further to this, Ofsted inspectors were also concerned about cases in which adults speaking on behalf of children were also not listened to properly. The report identified a tendency to overlook fathers and male partners as a common theme in SCRs. Previous findings have also suggested that it needs to be made easier for members of the public to raise serious concerns on behalf of children.
Christine Gilbert, Chief Inspector at Ofsted, commented: “It is shocking to see that too often children in vulnerable situations are not heard by those who should be looking out for their interests.
“That is why this report’s focus on listening to children is so important.
“The report shares valuable lessons that can help protect children and prevent such tragic incidents.”
First Response Training offers a number of training courses for those in the child care sector. This includes Child Protection training, a 3-hour course which provides staff with an introduction to child protection and teaches delegates about their responsibilities for safeguarding children and what to do if they suspect abuse.
Pete Stock, Business Account Manager for the childcare sector, explains: “Child protection is a hugely important and sensitive issue. It is vital that those working with children are aware of their responsibilities, the indicators of abuse and how to take action.
"Our direct provision training course will provide them with the necessary knowledge in each of these areas, and we also offer an e-learning course in the subject. Candidates can therefore complete their training through distance learning or by attending a direct provision course, or they can use a blended learning option, using a combination of the two.”
Please call First Response on free phone 0800 310 2300 to find out more.
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