Partnership receives ‘Good’ evaluation for services for Children and Young People at Risk of Harm

East Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership received a positive report this week relating to the Joint Inspection of Services for Children and Young People at Risk of Harm.

The inspection looked at the difference local community planning partnerships are making to the lives of children and young people.  The inspection team included the Care Inspectorate, Health Improvement Scotland, Education Scotland, His Majesty Inspectorate of Constabulary, and young peer inspectors. 

This inspection included consultation with all key stakeholders, including children and young people, parents and carers and staff and a review of policies, procedures and previous case files.

Inspections of this nature are designed to ensure that children and young people are safer because risks have been identified early and responded to effectively, and to ensure that they experience sustained loving and nurturing relationships to keep them safe from further harm.

The Partnership achieved a ‘Good’ evaluation in relation to how services work together to achieve improved outcomes for children and young people. The report recognised that the strength of partnership working was making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people at risk of harm and that children and young people at risk of harm were safer because of effective recognition and initial response to risk and concerns. 

Most children and young people at risk of harm were benefiting from the support they received from committed and compassionate staff who worked well together with many children and young people at risk of harm experiencing nurturing and respectful relationships with staff.

The report also recognised areas that could be improved upon to best support children and young people. An improvement action plan will be developed which will provide assurance to the Community Planning Partnership and Executive Groups that all suggested improvements are taken forward in a collaborative manner with partners, children and young people.  

Councillor Douglas Reid, Chair of East Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership welcomed this report. He said: 

“Within East Ayrshire we have embedded a community-based approach to improving outcomes for our children and young people while reducing the risks of those at risk of harm.  We have worked alongside the Inspection Team to ensure an open, honest and transparent inspection was completed. 

“It is very encouraging to hear that the Care Inspectorate has recognised the good work happening everyday across services and the Community Planning Partnership.  Recognising there is always opportunities for improvement we welcome the findings from this recent inspection as a basis to build on some solid foundations and strengthen partnership working moving forward.” 

Joint inspections of services for children and young people