A joint inspection of services in South Ayrshire for children and young people subject to compulsory supervision orders while living at home with their parents has found clear strengths in the partnership’s approach, with some areas for improvement.
Inspectors from the Care Inspectorate, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland found that leaders placed priority on upholding the rights of children and young people.
Staff were creative, agile and solution focused in the ways they supported children and young people, demonstrating a high level of professional commitment.
The partnership’s approach to early intervention was also positively influencing outcomes, helping to prevent needs from escalating and ensuring that children and young people received timely support.
However, the quality of plans for children and young people was inconsistent. Strengths in assessment and practice were not always translated clearly into effective planning.
The report noted that all parents and almost all children and young people had opportunities to build a relationship with a key member of staff, resulting in strengthened continuity and trust.
An inclusive approach to involving children, young people and parents in reviews and decision-making processes enabled meaningful participation.
Leaders encouraged innovative practice, demonstrated a sustained focus on improvement, and a commitment to embedding the promise.
Leaders also recognised the need for whole systems change and service redesign in response to changing needs and financial pressures. Impactful programmes were beginning to transform children’s services.
Jackie Irvine, Chief Executive of the Care Inspectorate, said: “There are clear strengths in the delivery of services in South Ayrshire. The Care Inspectorate and its scrutiny partners are confident that the partnership has the capacity to make changes in the areas that require improvement and in which they can directly influence change. Strong governance structures are already in place to enable change and the partnership has mature, functioning systems that can translate findings into improvement activity. The partnership adapts and improves, based on evidence.
“We will request a joint action plan that details clearly how the partnership will make improvements in the key areas identified by inspectors. Progress will be monitored and supported.”
The full report can be read here.