Major milestone reached in joint inspection process
A joint inspection of services for children and young people at risk of harm has passed the halfway point with a major milestone reached.
The joint inspection is being carried out by The Care Inspectorate, Education Scotland, Healthcare Improvement Scotland and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland. It is looking at the difference our community planning partnership is making to the lives of children and young people up to the age of 18 who are at risk of harm, and to their families. Inspectors are reviewing the services provided by East Lothian Council, East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, East Lothian and Midlothian Public Protection Committee, Police Scotland NHS Lothian, VCEL, Children’s Hearings Scotland and Scottish Children’s Reporter.
Extensive evidence
The East Lothian partnership submitted its position statement, a 5000-word report of its joint work in this essential area, to inspectors on 28 February. The statement is an important document that draws together extensive evidence across six key areas:
- context of services for children
- collaborative strategic and operational leadership
- children and young people’s participation
- quality assurance and evaluation activity
- what our data tells us
- our partnership achievements.
Significant milestone
The submission of the position statement represents a significant milestone in the robust inspection process. It follows a file reading exercise and comes ahead of the start of engagement week, a series of events and opportunities for inspectors to meet with children, young people, parents, carers, staff and leaders. A video update for staff working across the partnership is being prepared ahead of engagement week to advise more on the format and focus of this important activity.
The final report is due to be published on 7 May 2024.
Further information
For further information on the East Lothian Joint Inspection of Services for Children and Young People at Risk of Harm 2023-24 please contact:
Social work: Jen Fraser (jfraser@eastlothian.gov.uk)
Education: Jennifer Boyle (jboyle@eastlothian.gov.uk)